Vaping and young people

What is vaping?

Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes or e-cigs, are designed to help people quit smoking. These devices contain nicotine to calm cravings, but they do not contain the toxic tar and carbon monoxide found in tobacco smoke. This means vaping is much less dangerous than smoking cigarettes.

But vapes are not harmless. Short-term effects of vaping can include coughing, headaches, dizziness and sore throats. We still don’t know the long-term effects.

Remember: vapes are meant to help smokers quit for good. Therefore, if you don't smoke – don't start to vape.

 

What is in a vape?

There are many types of vaping devices. Usually, they include a chemical base of propylene glycol and glycerine, plus essential oils, flavourings and nicotine salts.

Risk and side effects of vaping

As vaping has only been around since the early 2000s, we don’t know much about how it impacts our bodies in the long term. However, we do know that vaping has many harmful effects, particularly on your heart and lungs.

Vaping can:

  • Irritate your airways. E-liquids contain chemicals that can cause coughing and wheezing.
  • Dry out your mouth and throat. This can also lead to bad breath.
  • Increase your heart rate and blood pressure. This is because nicotine is a stimulant.
  • Cause cravings. Nicotine is extremely addictive, and the more you use the more likely you are to become addicted. You can feel addicted after just a few puffs, depending on the nicotine strength and puff size.
  • Cause withdrawal symptoms. These include feeling irritable and sick, headaches, insomnia, reduced appetite, sweating, shaking and anxiety.

Nicotine can make your blood vessels narrower, which reduces the blood supply to your organs and forces your heart to work harder. Over time, it can also cause receding gums and tooth loss.

The rise of illegal vapes

There are a lot of illegal devices on the market, which are easy to obtain. As well as containing high concentrations of nicotine, some devices have been found to contain highly toxic substances such as lead and nickel, as well as other chemicals which are present in cigarette smoke.

That means that using these vapes can be even more dangerous to your health than smoking cigarettes. To ensure you know what you are using, make sure you buy your devices and refills from recognised shops. We’ve put together a checklist to help you recognise illegal vapes.

Vapes can also be used with THC oil, which comes from cannabis, as well as more dangerous substances such as spice. Read more about vaping THC and other illegal substances.

Types of vape

Hand holding a number of coloured disposable vapes

Disposable vapes: These devices have a fixed tank size and can be thrown away when finished. The amount of nicotine is not usually adjustable.

Disposable vapes contain batteries have caused fires. When the vapes break down in landfills, dangerous chemicals pollute the soil and water. These chemicals can harm humans, animals and the environment.

Note: The UK Government will ban the sale of disposable vapes from 1 June 2025.

Elements of a vape starter kit placed together

Starter kits: These kits are designed for people who have never vaped before, including people who to start vaping as an alternative to smoking cigarettes.   The rechargeable vaping device has a refillable tank for e-liquid or a pod mod device. 

A number of vape pens placed inside a test tube rack

Vape pens: These pen-shaped devices are rechargeable and reusable with refillable tanks. Their small size means they have a short battery life than other types of vape.

Close up of a pod vape with changeable cartridges

Pod vapes: These are designed to be used with disposable plastic pods or cartridges which contain e-liquid. Some devices contain replaceable coils instead.

4 coloured vape mods lined in a row

Vape mods: There are many modifiable vapes on the market. Some of the most popular include:

  • MTL vape: Mouth-to-lung vapes are refillable, rechargeable vapes. Users can adjust and personalise the settings by adapting the power.
  • Sub-ohm vape: This produces large vapour clouds, and has a long battery life and high-power output. Users can make a lot of modifications to these devices, such as temperature controls, changing tanks, etc. They need a lot of maintenance to keep them working properly.
Close up of a Cigalike on a brown table

Cigalikes or e-cigarettes: These look and act like a cigarette but don’t need lighting. They do not contain the harmful chemicals present in real cigarettes. E-cigarettes can be rechargeable or disposable.

Keeping yourself safe when vaping

The easiest way to reduce the harm caused by vaping is to follow the simple mantra: If you don’t smoke, don’t vape.

  • Always buy vapes from reputable shops, such as supermarkets. There are a lot of illegal products being sold, and it’s not always obvious if you are buying a legal device or not. Our helpful checklist will help you recognise illegal products.
  • To avoid some of the harmful effects, use 0% nicotine vapes. They have the same psychological benefits as vaping but without the harms of nicotine.
  • When using a vape, don’t ‘graze’. Space out your use, as if you are taking smoking breaks. The longer you go between vaping, the less likely you are to become addicted, and the lower the risk to your health.
  • Always use the correct charger. Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries which can cause fires if charged incorrectly.
  • When carrying vapes, keep them away from keys or sharp objects to avoid piercing the container. The batteries can catch fire when exposed to air or liquid.
  • Do not share vaping devices as this could expose you to spiked vapes.
  • Do not mix e-liquid into drinks or food. E-liquid can poison you if it is eaten.
  • Store vapes and e-liquids out of reach of children and animals. Nicotine is a toxic chemical that can cause harm in all forms. In liquid form, it can be absorbed through the skin, or swallowed, causing poisoning.
  • Dispose of vaping products correctly. They should never be put in the bin as the batteries can cause fires. Some supermarkets or vape shops will have their own collection scheme; you can also check on your local council website.

Cutting down or quitting vaping

Nicotine is incredibly addictive, and can cause health issues quite quickly. Addressing your use can help you feel happier and healthier. There are a number of self-help resources available online, such as:

If you want to take steps to address your use of vapes, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You are not alone. You can speak with your GP, visit your local pharmacy or contact your local authority to find out about support programmes.

Some Change Grow Live services can also offer guidance – you can check if this is available for young people in your local area using our service finder.