Electronic cigarettes, also known by many other names such as vapes, e-cigs, mods, tanks, JUUL, e-hookah, and hookah pens, are electronic devises used to deliver nicotine and other substances.

Vaping is the act of inhaling a vaporized liquid from an electronic device.

Electronic cigarettes emit an aerosol (often mistakenly referred to as “vapor”) that is NOT harmless “water vapor” and is NOT as safe as clean air, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While e-cigarettes generally emit lower levels of dangerous toxins than combustible cigarettes, they can contain heavy metals, ultrafine particulate, and cancer-causing agents like acrolein. They also contain propylene glycol or glycerin and flavorings.

From the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration): “As the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes have not been fully studied, consumers of e-cigarette products currently have no way of knowing: whether e-cigarettes are safe for their intended use, how much nicotine or other potentially harmful chemicals are being inhaled during use, or if there are any benefits associated with using these products. Additionally, it is not known if e-cigarettes may lead young people to try other tobacco products, including conventional cigarettes, which are known to cause disease and lead to premature death.”

According to the CDC, currently the evidence is insufficient to conclude that ENDS are effective for smoking cessation and ENDS are not an FDA-approved quit aid. Learn more about FDA-approved cessation methods with this fact sheet.

National Data on E-Cigarette Use – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)