E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Full update January 2022
The FAQ below answers common questions about vaping and e-cigarettes including use, safety, and regulations.
Question |
Answer/Pertinent Information |
What are e-cigarettes? |
E-cigarette is a common term for “electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).” Other terms used include vape pens, dab pens or rigs, tanks, mods, pod-mods, e-cigs, electronic vapor products (EVPs), e-cigars, e-hookah, etc. The act of using these devices also has several descriptors including vaping, Juuling, dabbing, etc.4,55 Sizes and shapes of e-cigarettes vary (e.g., shaped like cigarettes, pens, flashlights, flash drives, etc).8,55 E-cigarette devices heat a liquid to produce an aerosolized vapor which is inhaled.55 The liquids used may be called e-juice, e-liquid, etc.9,55 Other substances used include wax, salts, and herbs.55 Some e-cigarettes can be “opened” and refilled. Others are “closed,” using disposable cartridges, pods, mod pods, etc. |
Do e-cigarettes contain nicotine? |
Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine; however, there are some nicotine-free e-liquids. Nicotine concentrations vary from very low to more than is found in tobacco cigarettes.6,10,11,54 Many products use “free-base” nicotine. These higher nicotine concentrations may cause an “aversive user experience.”9 Devices that contain nicotine salts instead of free-base nicotine have a lower pH, allowing for high levels of nicotine to be inhaled with less throat irritation and may be “more satisfying” to the user (e.g., Juul, Suorin).3,9,55
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How are e-cigarettes used? |
E-cigarettes are marketed to be used for smoking cessation. In addition, they are also being used for recreation in persons who have never used tobacco cigarettes, particularly in youth. E-cigarettes are also used in alternate ways (with and without nicotine); such as for smoke tricks (including competitions), inhalation of flavors, inhalation of other substances (e.g., marijuana), etc. There is lots of information online and within social media on ways to use and manipulate these devices.12 “Dripping” is an alternate use that may increase the danger of e-cigarettes. The e-liquid is dripped directly onto the device’s heating coil. The vapor is inhaled quickly. Exposing the liquid to this higher temperature may increase the release of toxins (e.g., formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, etc) in the vapors. “Dripping” may give users thicker clouds of vapor, improved flavor, and a stronger “hit” (which appears related to a certain [higher] level of nicotine). Higher temperatures may also increase the nicotine in the vapor, leading to higher nicotine serum levels.12,55 “Dabbing” uses higher temperatures and allows the user to inhale high concentrations (e.g., THC, CBD, nicotine) or describes the use of THC and wax in a dab pen or vaporizer.43,55 |
What are the risks of nicotine in e-cigarettes? |
Nicotine is highly addictive and use of e-cigarettes can cause addiction to nicotine.3,48 The adolescent brain is more susceptible to nicotine addiction than fully developed brains of adults.13,56 Nicotine alters brain development.56 It can affect cognitive function, memory, and attention when used while the brain is still developing into the mid-20s.3,5,60 Nicotine is absorbed in e-cigarette users. Approximate saliva concentration of a nicotine metabolite (cotinine):17
E-cigarettes are a source of secondhand exposure to nicotine and other chemicals. The risks of secondhand vapor are unknown but are expected to be lower than tobacco smoke. Caution is recommended around nonusers, youth, pregnant women, people with cardiovascular conditions, etc.18,57 |
What are the risks of the chemicals found in e-cigarettes? |
Analysis of common brands of e-cigarettes showed contents included propylene glycol, glycerol, glycerin, flavorings (e.g., diacetyl), diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, ethanol, formaldehyde, and acrolein. The effect of chronic exposure to these chemicals is not known.6,19,20,47
The release of chemicals and contaminants (e.g., nickel, tin, aluminum, lead) in e-cigarette vapor varies between devices and the way they are used. More chemicals are released (e.g., formaldehyde [a known carcinogen], etc) at higher temperatures (e.g., with “dabbing” or “dripping” [described in the “How e-cigarettes are used” section above]).6,12,14,20,48 |
What are the respiratory risks from e-cigarette use? |
There are case reports of e-cigarette use being linked to:
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What are the risks of severe lung disease from e-cigarette use? |
More than 2,800 cases of severe lung disease associated with the used of e-cigarette products has been reported in the US. CDC is investigating these cases and have confirmed at least sixty-eight deaths as of February 18, 2020.44
The Canadian Lung Association warns that urgent action must be taken to decrease vaping in youth and that inhaling e-cigarette vapor causes cough, wheezing, worsening of asthma symptoms, and unknown long-term effects.21 The American Lung Association has called for CDC and FDA to state that e-cigarettes are not safe, that they contain dangerous chemicals that can cause severe and irreversible lung damage and disease, and that the public should stop using e-cigarettes and vaping.51 |
What are the cardiac-associated risks from e-cigarette use? |
There are no long-term data on the risks of nicotine delivered via e-cigarettes (e.g., heart, lungs, etc).15
Further investigation is needed to fully understand the cardiac effects of e-cigarettes16 |
What other risks may be associated with e-cigarette use? |
Seizures and other neurological symptoms (e.g., tremors) have been reported in patients using e-cigarettes. FDA is investigating these reports and their association with e-cigarettes.50 |
Are youth who use e-cigarettes at risk of becoming smokers? |
Preliminary evidence suggests that youth who use e-cigarettes are more likely to smoke tobacco cigarettes and use cannabis at a later age than youth who don’t use e-cigarettes.24,25,47,60 |
Are e-cigarettes effective for smoking cessation? |
E-cigarettes are not an approved smoking cessation aid.64,65 Some smokers claim that e-cigarettes make them “feel better” than when smoking tobacco cigarettes, that they save money, and that e-cigarettes help them to quit smoking.26 Some evidence suggests that among people who are dual users (users of tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes), daily e-cigarette use may be associated with an increased chance of becoming smoke free.66 Some evidence supports the use of e-cigarettes to help patients quit smoking.2,27,28,42,57 Royal College of Physicians (UK) supports the use of e-cigarettes, in combination with behavioral therapy, in smokers who have tried other methods of quitting without success.29,30 Patients who want to quit smoking should be advised to use proven smoking cessation methods.
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Can e-cigarettes be used in public places? |
Rules vary, but many public places (airplanes, hotels, etc) consider e-cigarettes and vaping within their no-smoking policies.32 Some e-cigarettes may trigger certain types of smoke alarms.33 Rarely, e-cigarettes have been associated with explosions (lithium battery), fires causing serious burns, and death.2,34 |
Can e-cigarettes be used by hospitalized patients? |
Many hospitals include e-cigarette use by patients and visitors in their no smoking policies.35 Patients who use e-cigarettes may experience a withdrawal syndrome from nicotine. Hospitalized patients who cannot use e-cigarettes should be offered nicotine replacement therapy if needed. The amount of nicotine in e-cigarettes can vary. Some hospital nicotine replacement protocols recommend starting e-cigarette patients on low-dose nicotine replacement therapy, then monitoring and titrating as needed. |
Are there poisonings with e-cigarettes? |
The flavorings of e-liquids and designs of the devices are very appealing to children. They must be kept in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets.6 Poison control center cases related to e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine range from 1,540 to 5,356 cases/year between 2013 and October 31, 2021.36 Commercially available e-liquids can contain up to 100 mg/mL of nicotine. Just 1 mg of nicotine can cause adverse symptoms in a toddler, and 6 mg/kg to 13 mg/kg can be lethal.37,38 Poisonings from e-liquids are reported from ingestion, skin contact, or by inhalation.39,60 Symptoms of nicotine toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, weakness, hypertension, and tachycardia. In severe cases seizures, coma, and death can occur.40 Use caution when handling e-liquids to avoid skin exposure, due to the potential for topical nicotine absorption. |
How are e-cigarettes regulated? |
Regulations for e-cigarettes and vaping are evolving. FDA and Health Canada regulate all aspects of e-cigarettes and vaping products including packaging, promotion, banning of ingredients or devices, etc.1,6 Vaping products with nicotine are available to adults as an alternative to smoking.6 E-cigarettes are not able to be purchased by those younger than 21 years of age (18 years of age in Canada).6,41 Healthcare professionals are also calling for regulations on these devices that may prevent them from being manipulated for alternative uses (e.g., dripping, etc).12 |
What does the FDA’s authorization of the Vuse Solo e-cigarette mean? |
Currently, the only e-cigarettes authorized for marketing by the FDA are Vuse Solo device and its tobacco-flavored pods.61 Note the menthol-flavored Vuse Solo pods are NOT currently authorized for marketing by the FDA.3 Help patients understand what this authorization does and doesn’t mean.
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What information is available to help educate patients about the risks of e-cigarettes? |
CDC and Health Canada offer information sheets to help parents talk with their teenagers about e-cigarettes (https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_508.pdf and https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/publications/healthy-living/talking-teen-vaping-tip-sheet-parents.html). FDA has expanded its Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan to include tools to help prevent vaping in youth with The Real Cost of Vaping (https://www.scholastic.com/youthvapingrisks/index.html). Safer ≠ Safe (https://www.thetruth.com/article/safer-safe) is another campaign to educate about the risks of e-cigarettes. There are little data on effective strategies to quit e-cigarettes. Patients can consider traditional smoking cessation strategies, but keep in mind that even data for smoking cessation in teenagers are limited. See our toolbox, Smoking Cessation: Helping Patients Who Use Tobacco, for practical tips and resources. |
References
- FDA. Statement from FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on new steps to address epidemic of youth e-cigarette use. September 12, 2018. https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm620185.htm. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Williams D. A man dies after his e-cigarette explodes in his face. February 5, 2019. https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/05/health/exploding-vape-pen-death-trnd/index.html. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- CDC. Sales of JUUL e-cigarettes skyrocket, posing danger to youth. October 2, 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p1002-e-Cigarettes-sales-danger-youth.html. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Huang J, Duan Z, Kwok J, et al. Vaping versus JUULing: how the extraordinary growth and marketing of JUUL transformed the US retail e-cigarette market. Tob Control 2019;28:146-51.
- Koval R, Willett J, Briggs J. Potential benefits and risks of high-nicotine e-cigarettes. JAMA 2018;320:1429-30.
- Government of Canada. Vaping. February 5, 2021. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping.html. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- American Lung Association. The impact of e-cigarettes on the lung. July 13, 2020. https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/e-cigarettes-vaping/impact-of-e-cigarettes-on-lung. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Demissie Z, Everett Jones S, Clayton HB, King BA. Adolescent risk behaviors and use of electronic vapor products and cigarettes. Pediatrics 2017;139:e20162921.
- Barrington-Trimis JL, Leventhal AM. Adolescents’ use of “pod mod” e-cigarettes – urgent concerns. N Engl J Med 2018;379:1099-1102.
- Trimarchi M, Cassidy S. 10 little-known facts about e-cigarettes. Howstuffworks.com. http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/ smoking-cessation/10-facts-about-e-cigarettes.htm. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Schroeder MJ, Hoffman AC. Electronic cigarettes and nicotine clinical pharmacology. Tob Control 2014;23(Suppl 2):ii30-5.
- Krishnan-Sarin S, Morean M, Kong G, et al. E-cigarettes and “dripping” among high-school youth. Pediatrics 2017;139:e20163224.
- Truth Initiative. 4 things parents need to know about JUUL and nicotine addiction. August 17, 2018. https://truthinitiative.org/news/4-things-parents-need-know-about-juul-and-nicotine-addiction. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Olmedo P, Goessler W, Tanda S, et al. Metal concentrations in e-cigarette liquid and aerosol samples: the contribution of metallic coils. Environ Health Perspect 2018;126:027010.
- Canadian Lung Association. E-cigarettes/vaping devices. October 1, 2019. https://www.lung.ca/news/expert-opinions/e-cigarettes. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- D’Amario D, Migliaro S, Borovac JA, et al. Electronic cigarettes and cardiovascular risk: caution waiting for evidence. Eur Cardiol 2019;14:151-8.
- Etter JF. Levels of saliva cotinine in electronic cigarette users. Addiction 2014;109:825-9.
- Czogala J, Goniewicz ML, Fidelus B, et al. Secondhand exposure to vapors from electronic cigarettes. Nicotine Tob Res 2014;16:655–62.
- Varlet V, Farsalinos K, Augsburger M, et al. Toxicity assessment of refill liquids for electronic cigarettes. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2015;12:4796-815.
- Jensen RP, Luo W, Pankow JF, et al. Hidden formaldehyde in e-cigarette aerosols. N Engl J Med 2015;372:392-4.
- Canadian Lung Association. Statement: vaping and lung disease. August 23, 2019. https://www.lung.ca/news/latest-news/statement-vaping-and-lung-disease. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- University of Rochester Medical Center. New study links electronic cigarettes and wheezing in adults. February 28, 2019. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/new-study-links-electronic-cigarettes-and-wheezing-in-adults. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Sommerfeld CG, Weiner DJ, Nowalk A, Larkin A. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome from e-cigarette use. Pediatrics 2018;141:e20163927.
- Primack BA, Soneji S, Stoolmiller M, et al. Progression to traditional cigarette smoking after electronic cigarette use among US adolescents and young adults. JAMA Pediatr 2015;169:1018-23.
- Soneji S, Barrington-Trimis JL, Wills TA, et al. Association between initial use of e-cigarettes and subsequent cigarette smoking among adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr 2017;171:788-97.
- Syamlal G, Jamal A, King BA, Mazurek JM. Electronic cigarette use among working adults — United States, 2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:557-61.
- Bullen C. Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation. Curr Cardiol Rep 2014;16:538.
- Bullen C, Howe C, Laugesen M, et al. Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2013;382:1629-37.
- Hajek P, McRobbie H. E-cigarettes: an evidence update. A report commissioned by Public Health England. August 2015. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/733022/Ecigarettes_an_evidence_update_A_report_commissioned_by_Public_Health_England_FINAL.pdf. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Royal College of Physicians. Nicotine without smoke: Tobacco harm reduction. April 28, 2016. https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/projects/outputs/nicotine-without-smoke-tobacco-harm-reduction-0. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Bhatnagar A, Whitsel LP, Ribisl KM, et al. Electronic cigarettes: a policy statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation 2014;130:1418-36.
- Transportation Security Administration. E-cigarettes and other nicotine delivery systems. May 6, 2016. https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2016/05/06/asktsa-travel-tips-over-140-characters-e-cigarettes-and-other-nicotine-delivery. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Anon. PSA: vaping can set off fire/smoke alarms. Be wary when vaping indoors/at work. https://www.reddit.com/r/electronic_cigarette/comments/1unf7m/psa_vaping_can_set_off_firesmoke_alarms_be_wary/. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- US Fire Administration. Electronic cigarette fires and explosions in the United States 2009-2016. July 2017. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/electronic_cigarettes.pdf. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Meernik C, Baker HM, Paci K, et al. Electronic cigarettes on hospital campuses. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2015;13:87.
- American Association of Poison Control Centers. Electronic cigarettes and liquid nicotine data. October 31, 2021. https://aapcc.org/track/ecigarettes-liquid-nicotine/. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Mayer B. How much nicotine kills a human? Tracing back the generally accepted lethal dose to dubious self-experiments in the nineteenth century. Arch Toxicol 2014;88:5-7.
- Walley SC, Jenssen BP, Section on Tobacco Control. Electronic nicotine delivery systems. Pediatrics 2015;136:1018-26.
- Kamboj A, Spiller HA, Casavant MJ, et al. Pediatric exposure to e-cigarettes, nicotine, and tobacco products in the United States. Pediatrics 2016;137:e20160041.
- Chatham-Stephens K, Law R, Taylor E, et al. Notes from the field: calls to poison centers for exposures to electronic cigarettes — United States, September 2010–February 2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014;63;292-3.
- CDC. State tobacco activities tracking and evaluation (STATE) system. November 10, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/statesystem/factsheets/ecigarette/ECigarette.html. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Hajek P, Phillips-Waller A, Przulj D, et al. A randomized trial of e-cigarettes versus nicotine-replacement therapy. N Engl J Med 2019;380:629-37.
- Young K. Feds eyeing unauthorized vaping products in outbreak of severe lung disease. September 3, 2019. https://www.jwatch.org/fw115776/2019/09/03/feds-eyeing-unauthorized-vaping-products-outbreak-severe?query=pfwTOC&jwd=000020043017&jspc=GP. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- CDC. Outbreak of lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products. August 3, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Health Canada. Information update – Health Canada warns of potential risk of pulmonary illness associated with vaping products. October 17, 2019. https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2019/70919a-eng.php. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Layden JE, Ghinai I, Pray I, et al. Pulmonary illness related to e-cigarette use in Illinois and Wisconsin –final report. N Engl J Med 2020;382:903-16.
- Fadus MC, Smith TT, Squeglia LM. The rise of e-cigarettes, pod mod devices, and JUUL among youth: factors influencing use, health implications, and downstream effects. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019;201:85-93.
- Government of Canada. Risks of vaping. June 11, 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping/risks.html. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- Davidson K, Brancato A, Heetderks P, et al. Outbreak of electronic-cigarette-associated acute lipoid pneumonia– North Carolina, July – August 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019;68:784-6.
- FDA. FDA in brief: FDA encourages continued submission of reports related to seizures following e-cigarette use as part of agency’s ongoing scientific investigation of potential safety issue. August 7, 2019. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-brief/fda-brief-fda-encourages-continued-submission-reports-related-seizures-following-e-cigarette-use. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
- American Lung Association. American Lung Association calls on Federal Government to deliver a clear message: don’t vape or use e-cigarettes. August 30, 2019. https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/deliver-clear-message-do-not-vape. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
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- Gamba T. Study adds evidence linking vaping to short-term lung symptoms in youth. August 20, 2021. https://www.ajmc.com/view/study-adds-evidence-linking-vaping-to-short-term-lung-symptoms-in-youth. (Accessed December 3, 2021).
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- Minnesota Department of Health. E-cigarettes and vaping. Updated February 8, 2021. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/tobacco/ecigarettes/index.html. (Accessed December 14, 2021).
Cite this document as follows: Clinical Resource, E-Cigarettes and Vaping. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter. January 2022. [380106]