Vaping and lung health: what you need to know

April 7, 2025

As vaping continues to grow in popularity, questions about its effects on lung health have become more common. While vaping is often promoted as a safer alternative to smoking, it’s essential to understand the impact it may have on your respiratory system. In this post, we will explore the key facts about vaping and lung health, based on expert insights and scientific research.

How Vaping Works: A Quick Overview

Before diving into the effects, it's important to understand what vaping actually involves. Vaping devices, also known as e-cigarettes, heat a liquid (known as e-liquid or vape juice) to create a vapor that users inhale. The liquid typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and base liquids like propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin.

Unlike smoking, which involves the combustion of tobacco, vaping does not produce tar or carbon monoxide. This has led many to believe that vaping may be less harmful to lung health than smoking traditional cigarettes.

What Experts Say About Vaping and Lung Health

1. Vaping: Less Harmful Than Smoking, But Not Risk-Free: Public Health England (PHE) has consistently stated that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. This is because vaping does not involve the combustion of tobacco, which produces harmful substances like tar and carbon monoxide. However, this does not mean that vaping is completely safe.

Experts agree that while vaping is likely less damaging to lung health than smoking, it is still not without risks. The long-term effects of vaping are not yet fully understood, and concerns about its impact on lung health have been raised, especially with increased use among younger people.

2. The Potential Risks of Vaping for Lung Health: While the risks of vaping are lower compared to smoking, several potential concerns for lung health still exist, including:

Irritation of the airways: Some vapers report experiencing irritation in their throat and lungs, which may be a result of inhaling certain chemicals present in e-liquids.
Inflammation: Studies have shown that vaping can cause inflammation in the airways, potentially leading to conditions like bronchitis or asthma-like symptoms.
Lung damage: There have been cases of lung injury associated with vaping, particularly with the use of unregulated or black-market vape products containing THC or vitamin E acetate. These incidents, though rare, have raised concerns about the potential for serious lung damage from vaping.

3. Vaping and Respiratory Function: While there’s evidence suggesting that vaping is less damaging than smoking, studies show that it can still impact respiratory function in some users. Vaping has been associated with:

Reduced lung capacity: Vaping may affect lung function over time, especially if the user has pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Bronchial constriction: Some studies suggest that vaping can lead to the narrowing of the airways, similar to what occurs with smoking.

Vaping vs. Smoking: Impact on Lung Health

Many people turn to vaping as a way to reduce the harmful effects of smoking. While vaping may be less damaging than smoking, the risks are still worth considering.

1. Lung Damage from Smoking: Smoking cigarettes is well-known for its harmful impact on lung health. It causes the accumulation of tar, reduces lung function, and significantly increases the risk of chronic diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.

2. Lung Health Benefits of Switching to Vaping: Studies show that those who switch from smoking to vaping may experience improvements in their lung health. These improvements can include:

Reduced coughing: Many smokers who switch to vaping report fewer episodes of coughing and less mucus production.
Better lung function: Some vapers notice better lung capacity after quitting smoking and switching to e-cigarettes.

While vaping is not entirely free from risks, it is widely regarded as a less harmful alternative to smoking.

What Research Says About Vaping and Lung Health

Research on the long-term effects of vaping is still ongoing, but several key findings have emerged:

Airway inflammation: A study published in the journal Toxicology found that vaping can cause inflammation in the airways, which may lead to long-term lung issues.
Cellular changes: Some research indicates that vaping may cause changes in the cells of the lungs, which could potentially lead to conditions like bronchiolitis or other respiratory problems.
Nicotine effects: Nicotine itself can cause irritation in the respiratory system and may contribute to long-term lung issues.

The Role of E-liquid Ingredients

The ingredients in e-liquids, such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, are generally regarded as safe for consumption when used in food and cosmetics. However, when inhaled into the lungs, these substances can cause irritation. Some flavorings used in e-liquids have also been linked to respiratory irritation, especially when inhaled in large amounts.

The Importance of Using Quality Vape Products

Not all vape products are created equal. It’s essential to use high-quality e-cigarettes and e-liquids to reduce the risk of harmful effects on your lungs. Here are some tips to help you make informed decisions:

Choose reputable brands: Always purchase vape products from trusted sources and reputable manufacturers to ensure the safety and quality of the ingredients used.
Avoid unregulated products: Unregulated or black-market vape products, particularly those with THC or unknown additives, have been linked to severe lung injuries.
Pay attention to ingredients: Be mindful of the ingredients in your e-liquids. Avoid products that contain harmful additives, such as vitamin E acetate, which has been linked to lung injury.

Conclusion: Vaping and Lung Health

While vaping is undoubtedly a less harmful alternative to smoking, it is not entirely free from risks. It’s important to be aware of the potential effects on lung health, especially if you are a long-term vaper. If you are considering switching from smoking to vaping, or if you’re already a vaper, ensure you use quality products and stay informed about the latest research on vaping and lung health.

For more advice or to explore high-quality vape products, visit Vape Lounge UK or contact us at hello@vapelounge.uk or 0161 637 6066.