Electronic Cigarettes: Are They Bad for You?

28 ottobre 2025

3 min di lettura

Electronic cigarettes also referred to as vapes, are one of the most controversial topics these days. Some experts believe that they are as harmful as regular cigarettes. Others argue that, on the contrary, they are helpful and beneficial for smokers who would like to quit. Let's take a look at the health risks of using them.

Punti chiave

Electronic cigarettes also referred to as vapes, are one of the most controversial topics these days.
What are electronic cigarettes?
Hidden threat

Per chi è

Chi esplora Respiratory system attraverso lungs, smoking.

Perché è importante

Questo articolo ti aiuta a orientarti rapidamente, per poi passare a una raccolta o serie se vuoi continuare.

Autore dell'articolo

Dr. Anastasia

Otorhinolaryngologist

What are electronic cigarettes?

An electronic cigarette is essentially a mini-inhaler: a liquid is heated inside the device and converted into a flavored vapor (aerosol), which the smoker inhales. Vape can be both a nicotine delivery vehicle and a device for inhaling flavored, nicotine-free vapor.

There is no established standard for the production of vaping fluid, so its composition may differ depending on the manufacturer. The most common ingredients are:

Nicotine Not all types of e-cigarettes contain it. For example, the well-known IQOS has it. Nicotine is a highly addictive narcotic substance.

Flavors Vapes come in many flavors: cherry, pear, strawberry, coffee, tobacco, and more. Flavors are safe to eat, but not so harmless when inhaled.

Propylene glycol Essential for the formation of steam, it acts as a solvent for the rest of the components.

Vegetable glycerin It is colorless, odorless, and made from vegetable oils. Vegetable glycerin has a sweetish taste, and many vapers do notice its presence.

Distilled water Manufacturers add it to reduce the viscosity of the fluid.

Hidden threat

At first glance, the composition of an electronic cigarette looks harmless. But what happens when a liquid is heated and converted into an aerosol?

Toxic chemicals are produced and can damage blood vessels and provoke intravascular inflammation.

If vegetable glycerin is heated together with propylene glycol, they form compounds that release formaldehyde. And formaldehyde is a Group 1 carcinogen, as it contributes to the development of oncological diseases. Inhalation of large doses of propylene glycol and glycerin damages the airways and causes dryness of the mouth and throat.

In many flavors, diacetyl is an organic substance that causes diseases of the ENT organs when heated. Other carcinogens are produced including acrolein (which damages the lungs and heart) and acetaldehyde (which causes malfunctions in the central nervous system).

In addition, all electronic cigarettes contain heavy metals in various proportions including chromium, nickel, lead, manganese. They are highly toxic when inhaled.

Are there any advantages to switching from regular cigarettes?

For the sake of objectivity, it must be said that there is no dangerous hot tobacco smoke in e-cigarettes. This is an important plus for any person who switches to vaping from regular cigarettes. When someone switches from regular cigarettes, receptors are gradually restored and the person regains a stronger sense of smell and taste.

Many smokers report that appetite comes back in the morning after switching. The vapor in e-cigarettes is not hot and therefore does not burn tissues. The body gradually gets rid of the tar that entered the lungs when smoking regular cigarettes.

The illusion of health

The absence of hot smoke and a pleasant aroma smell create the feeling that e-cigarettes are "light", which leads to uncontrollable smoking and increased nicotine consumption. A pack of electronic cigarette sticks contains almost the same amount of nicotine as a pack of ordinary cigarettes.

Smoking e-cigarettes has become not just a ritual, but a kind of cultural trend. Teenagers are fond of vaping, confident that it is fashionable, pleasant, and safe. Just like regular cigarettes, it is a persistent psychological addiction with similar harmful effects—except in most cases, the vaper does not realize all the health risks.

It is worth recognizing that electronic cigarettes will not help you quit smoking. In fact, quite the opposite—it becomes a new harmful addiction. If you really want to give up on this bad habit, only your own attitude, willpower, and desire to be healthy will help achieve your goal.

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