Electronic cigarettes, E-cigarettes, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), Vapes

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or e-cigs), vapes, vaporizers, hookah pens, and e-pipes are common terms for electronic nicotine delivery systems.  These products use a liquid (or e-liquid) that contains nicotine along with flavoring that is then heated into an aerosol that the user inhales.  Since these products are relatively new to the market, there is limited research on the health risks, but further studies are being conducted on long lasting health effects.
Health risks:

  • Electronic cigarettes contain harmful substances and the types or concentration of the chemicals, including nicotine, can vary based on the brand.
  • Flavorings that are added to the electronic cigarettes contain a chemical linked to a serious lung disease
  • Electronic cigarettes contain cancer-causing chemicals and volatile organic compounds
  • Ingesting e-liquids (e-juices) has been known to cause nicotine poisoning.

References:
https://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/ProductsIngredientsComponents/ucm456610.htm

http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/prevention-and-healthy-living/stopping-tobacco-use-after-cancer-diagnosis/health-risks-e-cigarettes-smokeless-tobacco-and-waterpipes