QUIT NOW
Death & Disease

Are e-cigarettes dangerous?

Yes, and the tobacco industry doesn’t want you to think so. They’re marketed as being a “safer” and “healthier” alternative to traditional cigarettes, but more and more research continues to arise that shows the short- and long-term effects of vaping. Below is information to help protect you and your loved ones.

What are e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes are devices that use a battery to heat a liquid nicotine solution (“e-liquid”). The heated e-liquid creates an aerosol that is breathed into the lungs. They come in all shapes and sizes and go by other names such as e-cigs, vaping devices, hookah pens, vape pens, or mods. Some can only be used once, while others can be refilled. Others have a tank that may hold large amounts of e-liquid containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. E-cigarettes are also used to vape other substances like marijuana and hash oil. Many of them do not look like traditional cigarettes, like Juul, Puff Bars, and Phix which are designed to look like a flash drive or tech device.

Why are they dangerous?

E-cigarettes contain nicotine and chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects, or other health problems.1 The e-liquids themselves are dangerous. Their sweet, fruity flavors appeal to children who may taste or drink the e-liquids, which are poisonous if swallowed, and are harmful if the liquid gets on the skin or in the eyes.2

Aren’t they safer than tobacco cigarettes?

E-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals. E-cigarettes produce an aerosol, not water vapor, which is a mixture of chemicals and small particles that can hurt the lungs just like cigarette smoke.34 There is not currently enough research on e-cigarettes to prove they are a safer alternative to cigarettes. E-cigarettes are just as addictive as regular cigarettes.5

Are they safe to use indoors?

E-cigarettes pollute the air with tiny particles that get trapped in the lungs. Just like regular cigarettes, secondhand vape from e-cigarettes may hurt others.34

Do e-cigarettes help smokers quit?

Studies show that e-cigarettes do not help people quit smoking cigarettes.67 Instead, many people end up using both products.8 Over-the-counter and prescription medicines are widely available and very effective at helping people quit smoking cigarettes. Additionally, Kick It California provides free counseling support in six languages at 1-800-300-8086 and KickItCA.org.

How do I protect my family and friends?

  • Nicotine is a poison. Never leave e-cigarettes or e-liquids where children can get them. Immediately call the California Poison Control System at 1-800-222-1222 if any e-liquid is swallowed, gets on the skin, or in the eyes.
  • Never allow the use of e-cigarettes in your home. Secondhand vape pollutes the air and is harmful to you and your family.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and teens should never use e-cigarettes or be exposed to the aerosol due to the harm nicotine may cause to brain development.
  • Support policies that do not allow e-cigarettes to be used indoors and where children are present.
  • If you use e-cigarettes or other tobacco products, visit KickItCa.org or call for free help with quitting: 1-800-300-8086.
disease/e-cigarette-dangers

Explore the tobacco industry’s damage

The tobacco industry currently spends billions each year on slick marketing tactics and political influence so they can profit off death and disease.

Learn more

Arrow right

Even for people who don’t use tobacco, there can be deadly consequences.

Learn more

Arrow right

The industry calls kids their “replacement customers. Big Tobacco sentences them to a lifetime of addiction and disease.

Learn more

Arrow right

This racist and unjust industry has strategically targeted certain communities with deadly products and manipulative messaging.

Learn more

Arrow right

No one’s safe from the environmental damage and health risks from toxic tobacco waste and its plastic pollution.

Learn more

Arrow right

Hold the industry accountable

California has already protected people from other harmful products, and it's time to hold the tobacco industry to the same standards.

a woman wearing a scarf
Close modal
UNDO logo
www.undo.org/
UNDO
UNDO fights Big Tobacco's deadly epidemic with bold campaigns for healthier California communities.
Facebook logoX iconMail iconWhatsapp iconCopy link
Link to section has been copied
Close
Close
Question 1 of 3

What color are apples?

Red

This is the default rich text value 1

Purple

This is the default rich text value 2

Blue

This is the default rich text value 3

Answer title

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Space for paragraph text of individul result - Maecenas tempus, tellus eget condimentum rhoncus, sem quam semper libero, sit amet adipiscing sem neque sed ipsum.

Question 2 of 3

What color is the sky?

Blue

Default Rich Text Content

This is the default rich text value

This is the default rich text value 4

Orange

This is the default rich text value 5

This is the default rich text value 5

All of the above

This is the default rich text value 6

Answer title

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Space for paragraph text of individul result - Maecenas tempus, tellus eget condimentum rhoncus, sem quam semper libero, sit amet adipiscing sem neque sed ipsum.

Question 3 of 3

What color is coffee?

Pink

This is the default rich text value 7

This is the default rich text value 7

Brown

This is the default rich text value 8

Green

This is the default rich text value 9

This is the default rich text value 9

Answer title

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Space for paragraph text of individul result - Maecenas tempus, tellus eget condimentum rhoncus, sem quam semper libero, sit amet adipiscing sem neque sed ipsum.

You got {correct} out of {total}

Thanks for playing!

Big Tobacco’s deceitful tactics are harmful both for us and for the planet. Learn more about new concerns over vape waste, or speak up to help hold the tobacco industry accountable. 1

You got {correct} out of {total}

Thanks for playing!

Big Tobacco’s deceitful tactics are harmful both for us and for the planet. Learn more about new concerns over vape waste, or speak up to help hold the tobacco industry accountable. 1

Close