Vape Safety Guide: Risks, Myths, and Proper Usage You Need to Know​

As e-cigarettes (vapes) increasingly become an “alternative choice” or “trendy item” for some groups, discussions about their safety have never ceased. Some view them as “harmless substitutes,” while others worry about potential health risks. Today, we will break down the core issues of vape safety from a scientific perspective to help you build a rational understanding.​

I. First, Be Clear: Vapes Are Not “Completely Harmless” – Watch Out for These Ingredients​

Many people mistakenly believe that vapes only contain “water vapor,” but in reality, the aerosol (often referred to as “smoke”) contains a variety of substances that may affect health. Three types of ingredients require key attention:​

1. The Dual Effects of Nicotine​

Most vapes contain nicotine (except nicotine-free versions), which is an addictive substance. Short-term excessive intake may cause dizziness, nausea, and rapid heartbeat; in the long term, it may affect cardiovascular health. Especially for adolescents, nicotine can interfere with brain development, leading to problems such as poor concentration and mood swings. Even “low-nicotine” products can lead to dependence with long-term and frequent use.​

2. Harmful Compounds Like Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde​

When the heating element of a vape is in operation, it may cause chemical reactions between ingredients such as propylene glycol and glycerin in the e-liquid, producing substances like formaldehyde (a known carcinogen) and acetaldehyde. Although most compliant products have lower levels of these substances than traditional cigarettes, “lower levels” do not mean “completely safe,” and long-term inhalation still poses cumulative risks.​

3. Hidden Risks of Flavors and Additives​

To achieve rich flavors, e-liquids often contain flavorings (such as fruit, mint flavors) and food-grade additives. However, some low-cost products may use inferior flavorings, which contain ingredients like cinnamaldehyde and vanillin. When heated, these ingredients may irritate the respiratory tract, causing discomfort such as coughing and asthma, and even damage the lungs.​

II. These Groups Must Never Use Vapes!​

The “risk threshold” of vapes is higher for specific groups, and the following groups are strictly prohibited from using them:​

• Minors, Pregnant Women, and Lactating Women: Minors are a key group to be protected from vapes, and China explicitly prohibits the sale of vapes to minors. Pregnant women who ingest nicotine may cause abnormal fetal development, and lactating women who use vapes may affect their babies’ health through breast milk.​

• People with Respiratory Diseases: For patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inhaling vape aerosol may worsen airway inflammation and trigger or exacerbate disease attacks.​

• People Allergic to Nicotine or E-Liquid Ingredients: Some people are allergic to propylene glycol or specific flavorings, and may experience allergic reactions such as skin itching and sore throat after exposure.​

III. 5 Keys to Using Vapes Correctly and Reducing Potential Risks​

If you are a compliant adult user and choose to use a vape for specific needs, you can reduce risks through the following methods:​

1. Choose Compliant Products and Reject “Three-No” Devices​

When purchasing, look for products with brand qualifications, clear labeling of ingredients (e-liquid components, nicotine content), and production licenses. Avoid buying low-cost “three-no” products (no brand, no ingredient list, no production information) from WeChat merchants, street stalls, or other unregulated channels. Such products often have unknown e-liquid ingredients and poor-quality heating elements, posing extremely high safety hazards.​

2. Control Usage Frequency and Avoid “Excessive Dependence”​

Even with compliant products, it is necessary to control usage frequency and avoid using vapes as a “daily entertainment tool.” Nicotine dependence will gradually increase usage, forming a vicious cycle. It is recommended to set usage boundaries based on personal needs (e.g., using only in specific scenarios rather than at any time).​

3. Store and Maintain Devices Correctly​

Store e-liquid in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children, and avoid exposure to high temperatures (which may cause e-liquid deterioration). Regularly clean the vape’s mouthpiece and airways to prevent bacteria growth from residual e-liquid. Use the original charger for charging and avoid mixing chargers of different brands (which may cause short circuits or overheating risks).​

4. Avoid “Modifying Devices” or “Making Homemade E-Liquid”​

Some enthusiasts may modify the vape’s heating power, airflow, or make homemade e-liquid using food additives. This behavior is extremely dangerous: modifying devices may cause the heating element to overload and explode, and homemade e-liquid cannot control ingredient proportions, easily producing toxic substances.​

5. Pay Attention to Body Signals and Stop Using Immediately if Discomfort Occurs​

If you experience discomfort such as a sore throat, persistent cough, chest tightness, or dizziness during use, stop using immediately. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention promptly. Do not ignore potential health issues due to “mild discomfort.”​

IV. Clarify 2 Common Myths: Don’t Be Misled by “False Safety” Claims​

1. Myth 1: “Vapes Contain No Tar, So They Are Safer Than Traditional Cigarettes and Can Be Used Long-Term”​

Although vapes do not contain tar (a key factor leading to lung cancer) found in traditional cigarettes, this does not mean they “can be used long-term.” As mentioned earlier, substances like nicotine and formaldehyde in their aerosol still pose health risks. Currently, there is a lack of research on the safety of long-term vape use, and the cumulative impact of long-term use on the body cannot be determined. For people with smoking cessation needs, vapes can be used as a “transition tool,” but they should be used under professional guidance rather than as a “long-term substitute.”​

2. Myth 2: “Nicotine-Free Vapes Are Completely Safe and Can Be Used by Anyone”​

Although nicotine-free vapes do not contain addictive substances, ingredients such as propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorings in the e-liquid may still produce irritating substances when heated. Long-term inhalation poses potential irritation to the respiratory tract. Moreover, if minors use nicotine-free vapes for a long time, they may develop an “oral dependence” and be more likely to try nicotine-containing tobacco products in the future. Therefore, minors are still not recommended to use them.​

Conclusion: View Vapes Rationally – Safety Is Always the Top Priority​

Vapes are neither “completely harmless trendy items” nor “absolutely dangerous harmful substances” – their safety depends on three core factors: “product compliance,” “user group,” and “usage method.” For compliant adult users, choosing compliant products and using them rationally can reduce risks; however, for minors, pregnant women, and sensitive groups, vapes are an “absolute no-no.”​

Ultimately, whether you use vapes or not, “paying attention to health and rejecting blind following” is the core principle. If you have smoking cessation needs, it is recommended to consult a doctor or professional smoking cessation institution first and choose a scientific and safe way to quit smoking, rather than relying solely on vapes.