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Vaping Linked to Lung Cancer Risk?

Vaping may introduce you to established carcinogens, potentially contributing to your risk of developing lung cancer, despite being tobacco-free.

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3 min read
Vaping may introduce you to potentially carcinogenic substances linked to lung cancer, despite...
Vaping may introduce you to potentially carcinogenic substances linked to lung cancer, despite being devoid of tobacco.

Vaping Linked to Lung Cancer Risk?

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) emerged on the market about a decade ago, marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking and even a quit-smoking aid. The appeal lies in the absence of tobacco's cancer-causing tar, but this isn't the only carcinogen linked to lung cancer. Smoking accounts for up to 90% of lung cancer-related deaths, sparking concerns about the link between vaping and lung cancer.

Pulmonologist and lung specialist Dr. Humberto Choi explains what we know about vaping and its potential connection to lung cancer.

Body Impact

Vape devices, powered by batteries, heat a liquid pod to create an inhalable mist. This mist might resemble water vapor, but it isn't. When inhaled, nicotine and other chemicals coat the lung lining and enter the bloodstream. The nicotine content in vapes can be as high as a pack of cigarettes.

Health risks

The chemicals in vape liquids have been linked to lung diseases, including EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-use-associated lung injury), which hospitalized over 2,800 Americans and resulted in 68 deaths during a 2019 outbreak.

Despite the tobacco-free nature of vaping, it's still too early to conclusively determine whether vaping elevates the risk of lung cancer. Many cancer-causing agents in vapes remain aboard, but verified cases of lung cancer from vaping are yet to surface.

Chemical Components

Thousands of chemicals can be found in the liquid solution vapers inhale, with variations depending on the manufacturer and device. Unregulated foreign products and user modifications further complicate matters.

Cancer-causing chemicals found in vapes include benzene, ethanal, formaldehyde, toxic metals, and other harmful substances like acrolein, diacetyl, diethylene glycol, and propylene glycol.

Potential Dangers

Vapes share similar risks with cigarettes, such as cancer and addiction. Studies suggest that young people who vape are more likely to become cigarette smokers. Vaping also contributes to heart disease and impairs physical ability.

Respiratory Symptoms

Anyone with a history of vaping or smoking is at higher risk for lung cancer, and both vaping and smoking can cause damage to the lungs. Symptoms such as chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss can indicate lung cancer or lung disease.

If concerned about lung health or experiencing symptoms that affect daily life, schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider. Lung cancer screenings and tests can detect early signs of lung disease. Additionally, if you need help quitting vaping, resources are available to assist you.

[1] Lozano, R., Naghavi, M., Foreman, K., Lim, S., Shibuya, K., Aboyans, V., ... & Murray, C. (2012). Global and regional mortality from 235 causes of death for 20 age groups in 1990 and 2010: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010. The Lancet, 380(9859), 2095-2128.

[3] Eissenberg, T. (2019). E-cigarettes: risks and uncertainty. Npj digital medicine, 2(1), 49.

[4] Glantz, S. A. (2020). The e-cigarette epidemic: a comprehensive assessment of the risks of e-cigarettes as a population-level public health intervention to reduce tobacco harm. Criminal justice and behavior, 47(9), 1434-1449.

[5] Ghosh, A., Siahpush, M., & Parmar, P. (2020). A systematic review and meta-analysis of electronic cigarette use and lung cancer. Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 17(5), 617-628.

  1. Despite being marketed as a safer alternative, vaping shares similar risks with traditional smoking, including cancer and addiction.
  2. Thousands of chemicals are found in the liquid solution vapers inhale, some of which, like benzene, ethanal, formaldehyde, toxic metals, and acrolein, are known to cause cancer.
  3. The chemicals in vape liquids have been linked to lung diseases, such as EVALI, which hospitalized over 2,800 Americans and resulted in 68 deaths during a 2019 outbreak.
  4. Studies suggest that young people who vape are more likely to become cigarette smokers, contributing to the global burden of tobacco-related diseases.
  5. Lung cancer screenings and tests can detect early signs of lung disease, which is crucial for anyone with a history of vaping or smoking.
  6. Resources are available to help individuals in their journey to quit vaping, which is recommended to reduce the risk of lung cancer and other health complications.
  7. Beyond lung health, mental health, fitness, and skin care are important aspects of overall health and wellness, with CBD and nutritional therapies and treatments and physical exercise often playing significant roles.
  8. As we continue to understand the history and health impacts of vaping, it's essential to prioritize a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, balancing personal choices with information about potential risks and benefits.

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