Health experts warn of long-term risks from e-cigarette use

Health experts and organizations are raising concerns regarding the long-term health impacts of e-cigarette use, noting that the full extent of the risks may only become clear after many years of widespread use.

While vaping is often viewed as a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking, the aerosols inhaled can contain nicotine, heavy metals like nickel and lead, and chemical flavorings. These substances can cause respiratory irritation, inflammation, and potentially irreversible lung damage. One specific concern is bronchiolitis obliterans, colloquially known as “popcorn lung,” a condition where the smallest airways become scarred and narrowed. This condition has been linked to diacetyl, a flavoring agent previously found in some e-cigarette liquids.

Medical studies have documented cases of severe small airway damage and fibrosis in long-term users. While some regulatory bodies, such as the UK's NHS, have banned diacetyl in regulated nicotine products to mitigate these risks, researchers emphasize that the global rise in vaping among youth and young adults represents a significant, ongoing health experiment.