What Does Vaping Do to Your Lungs: Experts Answer All Your Questions

Table of Contents

1. What Does Vaping Do to Your Lungs?
2. Short and Long-Term Effects
3. Vaping and Popcorn Lung
4. Vaping vs Smoking
5. Lungs, Vaping and CBD
6. Vaping-Related Symptoms
7. FAQ

Table of Contents

1. What Does Vaping Do to Your Lungs?
2. Short and Long-Term Effects
3. Vaping and Popcorn Lung
4. Vaping vs Smoking
5. Lungs, Vaping and CBD
6. Vaping-Related Symptoms
7. FAQ

Vaping and Your Lungs

Vaping introduces a mist into your lungs like an inhaler converts fluid medication into a mist. But, instead of introducing medicine or some other therapeutic to your lungs, vaping delivers other substances, mostly nicotine or THC or CBD. Those substances coat the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream, where they reach other parts of the body, such as your liver and brain.

This is the standard mechanism by which nicotine enters the bloodstream when people smoke, so, in that respect, cigarettes and e-cigarettes are similar. They require people to inhale smoke or vapor to absorb the chemical inside. Except with cigarettes, you inhale over 7,000 different chemicals that cause cancer and other smoking-related illnesses.

Some research make a connection between smoking and vaping by claiming that you also inhale many dangerous chemicals when you vape, such as formaldehyde and diacetyl. All these claims are false since no reputable e-juice manufacturer or disposable vape company uses these chemicals.

After reports surfaced in the media that diacetyl, the chemical that causes bronchiolitis obliterans, aka popcorn lung, the e-juice industry self-regulated and forced all manufacturers to stop using it. Formaldehyde is another chemical often thrown around by vaping alarmists who want to make a connection with cigarettes since formaldehyde is one of the by-products of burning tobacco.

The list goes on. Other articles claim that vape juice contains acetone or other solvents when no reputable vape juice company could use these chemicals since they would be noticeable. Unlike cigarettes, which burn and have a chemical smell, e-cigarettes do not produce those same sensations precisely because they do not contain any of these chemicals.

Vaping introduces a mist into your lungs like an inhaler converts fluid medication into a mist. But, instead of introducing medicine or some other therapeutic to your lungs, vaping delivers other substances, mostly nicotine or THC or CBD. Those substances coat the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream, where they reach other parts of the body, such as your liver and brain.

This is the standard mechanism by which nicotine enters the bloodstream when people smoke, so, in that respect, cigarettes and e-cigarettes are similar. They require people to inhale smoke or vapor to absorb the chemical inside. Except with cigarettes, you inhale over 7,000 different chemicals that cause cancer and other smoking-related illnesses.

Some research make a connection between smoking and vaping by claiming that you also inhale many dangerous chemicals when you vape, such as formaldehyde and diacetyl. All these claims are false since no reputable e-juice manufacturer or disposable vape company uses these chemicals.

After reports surfaced in the media that diacetyl, the chemical that causes bronchiolitis obliterans, aka popcorn lung, the e-juice industry self-regulated and forced all manufacturers to stop using it. Formaldehyde is another chemical often thrown around by vaping alarmists who want to make a connection with cigarettes since formaldehyde is one of the by-products of burning tobacco.

The list goes on. Other articles claim that vape juice contains acetone or other solvents when no reputable vape juice company could use these chemicals since they would be noticeable. Unlike cigarettes, which burn and have a chemical smell, e-cigarettes do not produce those same sensations precisely because they do not contain any of these chemicals.

What Happens When You Vape?

What happens when you vape depends on what you are vaping. However, nicotine and THC vapes, the most common vaping substances, usually produce their respective effects quicker than other methods of ingestion. Nicotine and THC can be ingested orally or topically, but those methods take longer since they have to pass through many layers.

Ingesting either nicotine or THC means it passes through the digestive system, where it is broken down, and after an hour or two, you begin to feel the effects. The same goes for nicotine and THC when applied to the skin via the nicotine patch or through THC-infused creams or balms. The active chemicals have to pass through layers of the epidermis to finally reach the bloodstream, which also takes a while to produce effects.

Vaping, similar to smoking, produces these effects instantly since the active ingredients are absorbed directly into all the body’s essential centers, such as the blood, brain, heart and lungs. The vapor, or aerosol, hits all these areas simultaneously to produce the effects of nicotine and THC. Some of the short-term effects of nicotine include:

• Stress-relief
• Heart rate increase
• Lightheadedness
• Anxiety
• Increased blood pressure

While some of the short-term effects of THC are:

• Euphoria
• Sense of relaxation
• Sleepy
• Energetic

But the effects on your lungs are never good. While the difference between the effects of smoke and vapor on your lungs is vast, vapor still enters your lungs, which, over time, can cause everything from inflammation to swelling and coughing. Among all the other problems associated with smoking, smokers develop a “smoker’s cough” that comes from a lifetime of smoking.

The same can happen to vapers, as vapor can irritate the lungs, airways and air sacs over time, producing a persistent cough. While vapor does not have the same chemicals as cigarette smoke, it can still irritate your lungs by its very nature, especially when it is hot and unfiltered, which is often the case with THC oil and dry herb vaporizers.

What happens when you vape depends on what you are vaping. However, nicotine and THC vapes, the most common vaping substances, usually produce their respective effects quicker than other methods of ingestion. Nicotine and THC can be ingested orally or topically, but those methods take longer since they have to pass through many layers.

Ingesting either nicotine or THC means it passes through the digestive system, where it is broken down, and after an hour or two, you begin to feel the effects. The same goes for nicotine and THC when applied to the skin via the nicotine patch or through THC-infused creams or balms. The active chemicals have to pass through layers of the epidermis to finally reach the bloodstream, which also takes a while to produce effects.

Vaping, similar to smoking, produces these effects instantly since the active ingredients are absorbed directly into all the body’s essential centers, such as the blood, brain, heart and lungs. The vapor, or aerosol, hits all these areas simultaneously to produce the effects of nicotine and THC. Some of the short-term effects of nicotine include:

• Stress-relief
• Heart rate increase
• Lightheadedness
• Anxiety
• Increased blood pressure

While some of the short-term effects of THC are:

• Euphoria
• Sense of relaxation
• Sleepy
• Energetic

But the effects on your lungs are never good. While the difference between the effects of smoke and vapor on your lungs is vast, vapor still enters your lungs, which, over time, can cause everything from inflammation to swelling and coughing. Among all the other problems associated with smoking, smokers develop a “smoker’s cough” that comes from a lifetime of smoking.

The same can happen to vapers, as vapor can irritate the lungs, airways and air sacs over time, producing a persistent cough. While vapor does not have the same chemicals as cigarette smoke, it can still irritate your lungs by its very nature, especially when it is hot and unfiltered, which is often the case with THC oil and dry herb vaporizers.

What is “Popcorn Lung?”

Bronchiolitis obliterans, aka popcorn lung, is an illness related to the chemical diacetyl, even though it also has other causes. The disease was first discovered in workers in popcorn factories who inhaled aerosolized diacetyl, which led to scarred lung tissue and blocked airways. Even though not a single case of popcorn lung has been linked to e-cigarettes or vaping, many anti-vaping advocates insist that diacetyl is regularly found in e-juices, especially flavored e-juice.

They continue to make this claim, even though all reputable e-juice makers have committed to never using diacetyl or other additives such as vitamin E acetate in any of their products. The UK and other countries have banned adding such chemicals to e-juices, and the US should follow suit if it is serious about protecting public health. No one in the vaping community wants dangerous chemicals in e-juices, so there is no weight to the oft-repeated claim that all e-juice contains harmful substances.

Bronchiolitis obliterans, aka popcorn lung, is an illness related to the chemical diacetyl, even though it also has other causes. The disease was first discovered in workers in popcorn factories who inhaled aerosolized diacetyl, which led to scarred lung tissue and blocked airways. Even though not a single case of popcorn lung has been linked to e-cigarettes or vaping, many anti-vaping advocates insist that diacetyl is regularly found in e-juices, especially flavored e-juice.

They continue to make this claim, even though all reputable e-juice makers have committed to never using diacetyl or other additives such as vitamin E acetate in any of their products. The UK and other countries have banned adding such chemicals to e-juices, and the US should follow suit if it is serious about protecting public health. No one in the vaping community wants dangerous chemicals in e-juices, so there is no weight to the oft-repeated claim that all e-juice contains harmful substances.

Cigarettes and the Lungs

It has been well-established that smoking a single cigarette releases over 7,000 different chemicals – such as formaldehyde, tar, and carbon monoxide – which smokers then inhale. Smoke damages the lungs but harms almost every part of the body. It causes inflammation and swelling in the airways, and over time, smokers can develop respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), emphysema, asthma and lung cancer.

Since e-cigarettes do not burn tobacco leaves or paper, the vapor they release does not contain the same cancer-causing chemicals as cigarettes. The vapor consists only of vaporized nicotine, which users inhale along with the mist from the other ingredients in e-juice, namely propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.

These two substances are organic and synthetic compounds that can carry flavor and liquid nicotine and vaporize at high temperatures. They can also retain moisture, which is why they are commonly found in several food products such as frosting, ice cream and cake mix. The FDA has deemed PG and VG safe for human consumption, although there is still no conclusive evidence on how inhaling these substances affects the lungs and respiratory system.

It has been well-established that smoking a single cigarette releases over 7,000 different chemicals – such as formaldehyde, tar, and carbon monoxide – which smokers then inhale. Smoke damages the lungs but harms almost every part of the body. It causes inflammation and swelling in the airways, and over time, smokers can develop respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), emphysema, asthma and lung cancer.

Since e-cigarettes do not burn tobacco leaves or paper, the vapor they release does not contain the same cancer-causing chemicals as cigarettes. The vapor consists only of vaporized nicotine, which users inhale along with the mist from the other ingredients in e-juice, namely propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.

These two substances are organic and synthetic compounds that can carry flavor and liquid nicotine and vaporize at high temperatures. They can also retain moisture, which is why they are commonly found in several food products such as frosting, ice cream and cake mix. The FDA has deemed PG and VG safe for human consumption, although there is still no conclusive evidence on how inhaling these substances affects the lungs and respiratory system.

Cannabidiol and Vaping

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a hemp derivative similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but has no intoxicating properties and many potential health benefits. Many people use CBD for various reasons, from helping them sleep to helping them relax or relieve sore muscles. CBD can also be processed into oil and vaped in pre-filled 510 carts of disposable, all-in-one vape pens.

Vaping CBD delivers the chemical into the brain and blood faster than other methods, such as ingestion through a tincture or edible. But even though vaping CBD delivers it faster in the system leading to faster effects, vaping CBD can also lead to the same health problems as vaping nicotine or dry herbs. No matter what you vape, you are still inhaling chemicals into your lungs, and you should be aware that it can lead to health problems in the future.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a hemp derivative similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but has no intoxicating properties and many potential health benefits. Many people use CBD for various reasons, from helping them sleep to helping them relax or relieve sore muscles. CBD can also be processed into oil and vaped in pre-filled 510 carts of disposable, all-in-one vape pens.

Vaping CBD delivers the chemical into the brain and blood faster than other methods, such as ingestion through a tincture or edible. But even though vaping CBD delivers it faster in the system leading to faster effects, vaping CBD can also lead to the same health problems as vaping nicotine or dry herbs. No matter what you vape, you are still inhaling chemicals into your lungs, and you should be aware that it can lead to health problems in the future.

Vaping Related Illness Symptoms

The symptoms associated with the EVALI outbreak are:

• Trouble breathing
• Excessive coughing
• Discomfort in the chest
• Fever

These are the symptoms that most patients presented with, although there have been no new reported cases of EVALI since the first outbreak ended. You should see a doctor if you vape and show any of these symptoms for over two weeks. If you experience one or more of these symptoms at a time, you should immediately seek medical attention.

The symptoms associated with the EVALI outbreak are:

• Trouble breathing
• Excessive coughing
• Discomfort in the chest
• Fever

These are the symptoms that most patients presented with, although there have been no new reported cases of EVALI since the first outbreak ended. You should see a doctor if you vape and show any of these symptoms for over two weeks. If you experience one or more of these symptoms at a time, you should immediately seek medical attention.

FAQ

Can vaping cause lung cancer?

There is no conclusive evidence that vaping causes lung cancer, but since it is still new, there is no certainty about whether it does or does not.

How long does vaping take to damage the lungs?

Vapor does not damage the lungs like cigarettes, but heavy e-cigarette use can still lead to breathing and respiratory problems over time.

Is it OK to vape once?

Many e-cigarettes contain varying nicotine levels and can be habit-forming even with one use. If you don’t smoke or vape, it’s best not to use it. But using a vape once is different from smoking a cigarette once.

Does vaping cause buildup in the lungs?

Heavy use of vaping devices and e-cigarettes can harm you over a long period, but it is not as harmful as smoking the equivalent of cigarettes over time.

Can your lungs heal if you stop vaping?

Your lung and lung function will slowly improve if you stop vaping.

Can vaping cause lung cancer?

There is no conclusive evidence that vaping causes lung cancer, but since it is still new, there is no certainty about whether it does or does not.

How long does vaping take to damage the lungs?

Vapor does not damage the lungs like cigarettes, but heavy e-cigarette use can still lead to breathing and respiratory problems over time.

Is it OK to vape once?

Many e-cigarettes contain varying nicotine levels and can be habit-forming even with one use. If you don’t smoke or vape, it’s best not to use it. But using a vape once is different from smoking a cigarette once.

Does vaping cause buildup in the lungs?

Heavy use of vaping devices and e-cigarettes can harm you over a long period, but it is not as harmful as smoking the equivalent of cigarettes over time.

Can your lungs heal if you stop vaping?

Your lung and lung function will slowly improve if you stop vaping.

Conclusion

When online articles and websites talk about the dangers of vaping to the lungs, they always mention the E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) outbreak in late 2019, which claimed over 60 people. They also note that the cause of that outbreak was the addition of vitamin E acetate to illegal and unregulated THC vape carts, but then connect it to nicotine vapes and all vaping.

But the truth is that no one is certain what exactly caused the EVALI outbreak. Vitamin E acetate was found in many victims but not all. Another factor that many online articles leave out is that vitamin E acetate was commonly found in THC vape carts and not in commercially produced nicotine e-juice. There are no reports of any nicotine e-juice vapers with symptoms of EVALI. Still, the media and other public health outlets repeatedly mix their facts to paint all vaping as dangerous.

But vaping is not as dangerous as a smoking habit. It has its risks, and people should be aware that e-cigarettes could potentially damage their lungs and lead to respiratory problems in the future if they regularly and heavily use e-cigarettes. However, that choice should be theirs, especially if vaping does not carry the same risks as smoking.

When online articles and websites talk about the dangers of vaping to the lungs, they always mention the E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) outbreak in late 2019, which claimed over 60 people. They also note that the cause of that outbreak was the addition of vitamin E acetate to illegal and unregulated THC vape carts, but then connect it to nicotine vapes and all vaping.

But the truth is that no one is certain what exactly caused the EVALI outbreak. Vitamin E acetate was found in many victims but not all. Another factor that many online articles leave out is that vitamin E acetate was commonly found in THC vape carts and not in commercially produced nicotine e-juice. There are no reports of any nicotine e-juice vapers with symptoms of EVALI. Still, the media and other public health outlets repeatedly mix their facts to paint all vaping as dangerous.

But vaping is not as dangerous as a smoking habit. It has its risks, and people should be aware that e-cigarettes could potentially damage their lungs and lead to respiratory problems in the future if they regularly and heavily use e-cigarettes. However, that choice should be theirs, especially if vaping does not carry the same risks as smoking.