Health effects of electronic cigarettes

The use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) carries health risks. The risk depends on the fluid and varies according to design and user behavior. In the United Kingdom, vaping is considered by some to be around 95% less harmful than tobacco after a controversial landmark review by Public Health England.

E-cigarettes reduce lung function, reduce cardiac muscle function, and increase inflammation. Traditional cigarettes have a higher damage record than vaping. The deadly 2019–20 vaping lung illness outbreak in North America was strongly linked to vitamin E acetate in THC-containing vaping liquid. Nicotine vaping produces more carcinogens and toxic substances than a medically approved nicotine inhaler.

There are also risks from misuse or accidents. Such accidents can be through nicotine poisoning (especially among small children), contact with liquid nicotine, and fires caused by vaporizer malfunction.