Most of us don’t think about our lung health until we start having trouble breathing. Recognising symptoms early can make all the difference. Lung cancer doesn’t always show obvious symptoms at first, which is why awareness is needed. An alarming new trend is vaping : many teens and young adults think it is harmless, but it contributes to the silent threat of lung problems.
E-cigarettes (Electronic cigarettes) used in vaping are not a safe alternative to smoking; they carry their own set of dangers when it comes to lung health. Being aware of the warning signs and taking simple steps to protect your lungs can make a huge difference to your long-term health. Let’s dive into what you need to know, because when it comes to your health, every breath counts.
The connection between vaping and lung cancer
A recent study found that people who both smoke and vape are four times more likely to develop lung cancer as compared to those who only smoke. Among smokers who had quit less than five years, those who used e-cigarettes were found to have a higher risk of lung cancer than non-e-cigarette users. The aerosol inhaled from e-cigarettes contains formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein—all known to damage lung cells and increase the risk of lung cancer over time.
Why are teenagers at risk? Their lungs are still developing, making them highly vulnerable to long-term damage from vaping. Unlike adults, their lung tissue is more sensitive to repeated exposure to harmful substances. It might take years for cancer to develop, and the damage begins much earlier with inflammation, scarring, and weakened immunity
Vaping is also linked to the development of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and the worsening of asthma control.
What is inside a vape?
For many teenagers vaping seems like a harmless trend. Behind the appealing packaging and sweet-smelling clouds however, lies a disturbing reality–each puff carries a toxic mix of chemicals that can have long-term consequences. Vape aerosols contain a chemical cocktail that can harm the body in multiple ways. E-cigarettes contain an atomiser that heats the e-liquid to produce vapours and aerosols. The constituents of e-cigarettes include nicotine and acrolein which have been linked to lung cancer, gases like acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, benzene, trace metals like nickel, tin, coloring agents, etc.
One of the main ingredients in most vapes is nicotine which is highly addictive. For teenagers, this is especially dangerous as nicotine exposure can not only interfere with memory, but can also increase anxiety, depression, and lead to mood swings.
Flavored vapes are a major reason why teenagers are getting addicted. Fruity, minty, dessert-inspired flavours might seem fun, but the chemicals used to create these flavours are toxic.
Elements like nickel and tin are also found in vape aerosols. These metals come from the heating coils inside vape devices and, when inhaled, can settle in the lungs, thereby increasing the risk of organ damage and even cancer over time.
The biggest irony is that many teenagers start vaping because they think it’s a safer alternative to smoking. Instead, they end up inhaling a toxic cocktail that can cause irreversible lung damage.
More than just a lung problem
Did you know vaping can seriously harm your heart too? Vaping increases blood pressure, thickens arteries, and raises your heart rate, thus putting even young users at risk of heart disease. It increases the risk for heart failure and heart attacks. Furthermore, it can lead to ‘popcorn lung’—a condition caused by inhaling harmful chemicals, leaving your lungs permanently scarred and making it hard to breathe. Let’s not forget the impact on the brain. High nicotine exposure can trigger seizures as well as headaches and even slow down cognitive function over time.
A couple of studies also suggest that vaping addiction has links to anxiety, depression, and mood swings, thereby trapping users in a cycle of dependence. What seems like a harmless puff today could lead to serious health issues down the line. Is it really worth the risk?
India’s battle against vaping
Despite the Indian government banning e-cigarettes in 2019, vaping remains a growing concern, particularly among teenagers. The appeal of sleek devices, enticing flavours, and easy access has contributed to its rising popularity. A 2023 survey by the Think Change Forum found that 96% of students aged 14-17 were unaware of vaping being illegal in India, while 89% were ignorant about health risks.
This lack of awareness and easy availability are challenges that need to be tackled head-on. Schools and parents play a crucial role in addressing this issue. Awareness campaigns must highlight the real danger of vaping, schools need to monitor for vaping, and parents should engage in open conversation with their children to discourage experimentation.
Awareness alone is not enough. A recent survey across major Indian cities, including Delhi and Bengaluru, revealed that e-cigarettes are still widely available and often sold without age verification, thereby exposing teenagers to easy access. Strict action on illegal sellers is essential.
Additionally, public awareness campaigns, similar to anti-smoking advertisements, should be launched to educate young people about the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction. While the long-term risks of vaping are still being studied, the damage done to young lungs is significant. The sooner India strengthens its response, the better it can protect the next generation from falling into the trap of nicotine addiction.
Vaping has serious health consequences —especially for the youth who don’t realise what they’re getting into. So the choice is quite clear: act today or risk your health for tomorrow.
(Dr. Ishan Capoor is a pulmonologist at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. [email protected])
Published – February 21, 2025 05:32 pm IST