Physician raises concerns about risks tied to nicotine-free vape use

Is Nicotine-Free Vaping Really Safe? New Study Raises Concerns

You switched from cigarettes to vaping, thinking it’s safer. However, a new study reveals that even nicotine-free vaping harms your blood vessels, raising the risk of heart disease and circulation problems.

Vaping vs. Smoking: What You Should Know

Traditional cigarettes release thousands of harmful chemicals, tar, and carcinogens. Vaping removes many of these toxins, but assuming nicotine-free vapes are harmless is misleading.

E-cigarettes use battery-powered devices to heat liquid and create vapor instead of smoke. The vape juice mainly contains propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin—safe to eat but risky when inhaled. Heating these liquids creates harmful byproducts that can irritate your lungs and airways, causing chronic cough, shortness of breath, and inflammation.

The Hidden Dangers of Flavorings and Metals

Flavored vapes lure many users, especially youth, with fruity or dessert-like tastes. Yet, some flavor chemicals cause serious harm:

Diacetyl links to “popcorn lung,” a severe lung disease.
Benzaldehyde irritates the respiratory system.
Heavy metals like lead and nickel can leach from vape coils into vapor.

Even without nicotine, these substances can damage your lungs over time.

Vaping’s Growing Popularity Among Youth

Vaping use surged among U.S. middle and high school students, with over 2 million users in 2021—most favoring flavored vapes. Dr. Michael Blaha from Johns Hopkins warns that vaping attracts non-smokers, especially youth, who risk developing nicotine addiction and later turning to traditional cigarettes.

Shocking Study Results: Nicotine-Free Vaping Harms Blood Vessels

Researchers compared nicotine-free vapes, nicotine vapes, and cigarettes. They found all three impaired vascular function. Surprisingly, nicotine-free vaping still caused significant harm, though less than nicotine vapes.

Dr. Marianna Nabbout explains, “Even acute vaping impacts multiple vascular beds in the body. Chronic use may lead to vascular disease.” This study challenges the idea that nicotine-free vaping is safe.

What This Means for You

If you vape thinking it’s a harmless alternative, this research urges caution. Vaping—even without nicotine—can affect your heart and blood vessels. Protect your health by reconsidering this habit.