💨 Nicotine Vapes (E-Cigarettes) – Educational Overview

Nicotine vapes are electronic devices that heat a liquid (often called e-liquid or vape juice) into an aerosol that the user inhales. These liquids usually contain nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but it carries its own health risks.

🔹 What Are Nicotine Vapes?

Battery-powered devices that simulate smoking.

Use replaceable or refillable cartridges or pods.

E-liquid typically contains:

Nicotine

Propylene glycol (PG)

Vegetable glycerin (VG)

Flavorings

🔹 Common Types of Devices
Type Description
Cigalikes Look like traditional cigarettes; often disposable.
Vape Pens Slim, pen-shaped; refillable or pod-based.
Mods Larger devices with customizable power and airflow.
Pod Systems Compact, easy-to-use; often used with nicotine salts (e.g., JUUL).
🔹 Health Risks

While vapes may contain fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes, they are not risk-free.

Nicotine Addiction: Especially harmful to developing brains (teens, young adults).

Lung Effects: May cause inflammation, coughing, or worsen asthma.

Cardiovascular Risk: Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Unknown Long-Term Effects: Vaping is still relatively new; studies are ongoing.

EVALI Risk: Lung injuries linked to certain black-market vape products (especially those with THC/vitamin E acetate).

🔹 Youth & Vaping

Flavored vapes have led to increased use among teens.

Marketing often targets younger audiences, despite legal restrictions.

Many young users are unaware their vape contains nicotine.

🔹 Legal Status & Regulation

Nicotine vapes are legal in many countries but regulated.

Sales to minors are banned in most regions.

Some countries have banned flavored vapes or vaping altogether.