Vaping refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor—or more accurately, an aerosol—created by a device designed to deliver nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. While it may seem like a “harmless alternative” to smoking, the reality is far more dangerous.

Is vaping as bad as smoking?

The short answer? Yes.
Studies, including private and federally funded research, have revealed that the very chemicals that make cigarettes harmful are also present in e-cigarette products.

When e-liquid is heated to create vapor, chemical reactions occur, transforming harmless components like propylene glycol into dangerous substances like formaldehyde gas—a substance that can cause cancer (“carcinogen”). Additionally, the heating process can cause tiny pieces of metal, such as nickel and tin, to break off from the coil, leaving microscopic flecks of toxic particles to be inhaled deep into the lungs.

What is an e-cigarette?

E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, vape pens, e-pens, or e-cigs, are electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). These devices typically include:

  • A rechargeable battery.
  • A cartridge or tank pre-filled or refillable with e-liquid.
  • A heating element to vaporize the liquid.

The e-liquid in these cartridges contains a mix of nicotine, flavorings, and other additives, many of which are harmful—even in products advertised as “nicotine-free.”

What's in the vapor?

E-cigarette aerosol is far from harmless water vapor. Here’s what you’re actually inhaling:

  • Nicotine: 6% of e-cigarette products contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Even “nicotine-free” products may contain trace amounts, as the FDA does not regulate these claims. Nicotine exposure in adolescence can harm brain development and increase the risk of lifelong addiction.
  • Ultrafine particles: These microscopic particles travel deep into the lungs, where they can cause scarring, inflammation, and conditions like popcorn lung.
  • Volatile compounds: Found in rat poison, car exhaust, and antifreeze, these toxic chemicals include arsenic, benzene, and formaldehyde—none of which belong in your body.
  • Heavy metals: E-cigarette vapor may contain nickel, tin, and lead, all of which pose serious health risks when inhaled.
  • Flavorings: Many flavors that make vapor seem to taste or smell good are made with diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung diseases.

Whether you’re a teen thinking about vaping or a parent concerned about your child’s health, there are steps you can take. Your choices today shape your health tomorrow. Choose wisely.

  • Educate yourself

    Learn about the ingredients and health risks of vaping.

  • Talk about it

    Start open, honest conversations with your peers or family about the dangers of vaping.

  • Say no

    Practice strategies to resist peer pressure and avoid vaping.

  • Seek help

    If you or someone you know is already vaping, there are resources available to quit.

Why It Matters

Vaping might look trendy or feel harmless, but the reality is stark: these devices pose significant risks to your health. From life-threatening lung damage to long-term addiction, vaping carries consequences that are too big to ignore.

  • Brain Impact

    The adolescent brain is still developing, particularly areas responsible for memory, attention, and impulse control. Vaping doesn't just expose the brain to nicotine—it can fundamentally alter its growth. The earlier teens begin vaping, the more likely they are to experience long-term damage. Here's how vaping impacts brain health.

    • Vaping alters brain development. Nicotine changes how synapses form in the brain, potentially affecting learning, mood and self-control.

    • Teens who vape are more likely to become addicted to nicotine and may transition to smoking traditional cigarettes later in life.

    • Nicotine use can worsen anxiety, depression and mood swings.

  • Physical Health Impact

    For teens, whose bodies are still growing and developing, vaping can be especially harmful. Vaping introduces risks that can undermine well-being in the short and long term.

    • Nicotine raises heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems over time.

    • While the long-term health impacts remain unclear, early evidence points to serious risks.

    • Vaping can cause lung inflammation and irritation, even in otherwise healthy individuals. This may lead to:

      • E-cigarette-or-vaping-use-associated lung injury (EVALI), a serious inflammatory lung condition.

      • Popcorn lung, which leads to chronic coughing, shortness of breath, and severe lung damage due to scarring in the airways.

  • Mental Health Impact

    The stress of nicotine addiction and the disruption it causes in brain chemistry can have lasting effects on teens' emotional well-being.

    • Vaping—with or without nicotine—can negatively impact impulse control in teens and young adults. These effects include an increased risk of mood disorders, impaired memory and difficulty regulating emotions.

    • The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to the chemicals in e-cigarettes. Use may lead to permanent damage in areas responsible for critical thinking, emotion regulation, and memory retention.

  • Social Impact

    Vaping affects more than just physical and mental health—it can also impact a teen's relationships, academic performance, and social life. What starts as a social activity can quickly lead to challenges that ripple through many aspects of life.

    • Teens who vape may struggle with focus, memory and motivation, impacting school performance.

    • Vaping is often a social activity, but peer pressure to participate can lead to risky behaviors.

    • Parents and caregivers may struggle to communicate effectively with teens who vape, causing friction at home.

  • Financial Impact

    Vaping costs can add up quickly. For teens with limited incomes, spending money on vaping products often comes at the expense of other opportunities and necessities.

    • Between devices, replacement coils and e-liquid cartridges, the average user can spend hundreds to thousands of dollars per year.

    • Pods, cartridges, and disposable devices are expensive, especially for teens with limited income.

    • Underage possession or use of vaping products can result in fines, school disciplinary actions or other penalties.

    • Money spent on vaping could be used for education, hobbies, or savings—investments in a teen's future.

  • Environmental Impact

    Vaping also contributes to environmental harm. From electronic waste to chemical pollution, vaping products leave a damaging footprint.

    • Discarded vaping devices, pods and cartridges add to growing electronic waste problems.

    • E-liquid spills and improperly disposed of devices can leak harmful chemicals into the environment.

    • Many vaping products contain plastics and metals that do not break down naturally, contributing to pollution.

  • Extracurriculars & Athletics Impact

    For teens involved in sports, theater, or other extracurricular activities, vaping can directly undermine performance and commitment.

    • Nicotine affects lung capacity, making it harder for teens to perform at their best.

    • Vaping impairs the body's ability to heal and recover from injuries or illnesses.

    • Fatigue and health issues caused by vaping can lead to missed practices, games, or auditions.

  • Other surprising impacts of vaping

    • Many e-cigarette devices come with the risk of malfunction. This can lead to fires or explosions that can cause serious injuries, including burns and facial trauma.

    • Accidental exposure to e-liquid—either by swallowing or through skin absorption—can result in life-threatening consequences, especially for young children or pets who encounter improperly stored vapes.

    • Vape aerosol contains harmful chemicals like nicotine, formaldehyde, and Volatile Compounds posing risks to bystanders especially those with respiratory conditions.

Vaping can profoundly affect teens' physical, mental, and social well-being. As a caregiver, staying informed, fostering open communication, and creating a supportive environment are key to helping your teen make healthier choices. Visit the Confident Caregiver Page for tools and resources to talk with your teen about vaping.

This project is possible, fully or in part, as a result of grant funding recommended by the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council (OERAC) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official policies the Minnesota Department of Human services; nor mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the state of Minnesota.