If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.
E-cigarettes, which are sometimes called vapes, vape pens, tank systems or e-hookahs, are products that heat liquids to create an inhalable vapor. They come in many forms including single-use disposable products, devices with replaceable pods and refillable tank systems. Some people believe that because these products don’t burn tobacco like cigarettes, the vapor released by e-cigarettes and the air exhaled by people using them is “just water.” This is not true. Research shows the vapor released by e-cigarettes contains several chemicals and other toxic substances.
| Chemical | Description |
| Nicotine | The substance that keeps people addicted to tobacco products is released into the air every time a person using a vape exhales. |
| Diethylene glycol | An ingredient used in antifreeze. |
| Formaldehyde | A cancer-causing chemical found in cigarette smoke. |
| Acetaldehyde | A toxic chemical that can damage cells and cause cancer. |
| Acrolein | A chemical used as a weed killer which can cause severe damage to your lungs. |
| Heavy metals | Small amounts of metals like nickel, tin and lead. |
| Cadmium | A metal used to make batteries found in cigarette smoke and known to cause cancer. |
| Benzine | A flammable substance found in cigarette smoke, car exhaust and e-cigarette vapor. |
While e-cigarette vapor may contain fewer toxic substances than cigarette smoke, reducing your exposure to these harmful chemicals will help you live a fit and healthy life. Check out some of the resources available to help you quit vaping and other tobacco products here.
