Friends, during the recent IPL tournament, there was one news item which caught my attention: one of the players was found VAPING. Then there was another article in the leading newspaper that Vaping is getting popular in the younger generation and middle-aged youth.
Now, What is Vaping?
Vaping refers to the inhalation of an aerosol (commonly called vapour) produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or similar device. These devices heat liquid-usually containing nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals-into an aerosol that is inhaled into the lungs. Vaping products are becoming popular worldwide, particularly among smokers seeking alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
How Vaping Works
A Vaping device consists of a battery, a heating element (coil), a cartridge or tank containing e-liquid, and a mouthpiece.
When activated, the coil heats the liquid, creating an aerosol that users inhale. E-liquids may contain nicotine, Propylene glycol, Vegetable glycerin, flavouring agents and Other additives.
Potential Benefits of Vaping
1 May Be Less Harmful Than Smoking: Traditional cigarettes produce smoke through combustion, releasing thousands of chemicals like tar, carbon monoxide, Benzene and Formaldehyde.
Studies suggest that Vaping exposes users to fewer toxic substances than conventional smoking.
2 Smoking Cessation Aid: Some smokers have successfully used Vaping as a tool to quit smoking. Benefits include: gradual reduction of nicotine levels, mimicking the hand-to-mouth behaviour of smoking and reduced withdrawal symptoms.
Clinical studies have found e-cigarettes to be more effective than some traditional nicotine replacement therapies when combined with counselling and support.
3 Reduced Second-Hand Exposure: Vaping generally produces fewer harmful chemicals in the surrounding air compared with cigarette smoke. Potential advantage include-Less odour, reduced exposure to tar, and lower levels of environmental pollutants.
4 Some smokers who switch completely to vaping report less coughing, improved breathing and better exercise tolerance
5 Greater Control Of Nicotine Intake: E-liquids are available in varying nicotine strengths, allowing users to-gradually lower nicotine consumption and customise usage according to individual needs.
Potential Risks and Disadvantages of Vaping
1 Nicotine Addiction: Most vaping products contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Nicotine can increase heart rate, raise blood pressure, create dependence, and make quitting difficult.
2 Lung Health Concern: Although Vaping avoids toxic substances found in tobacco smoke, inhaling heated chemicals can still affect the lungs. Potential issues include airway irritation, Chronic cough, Wheezing, and inflammation of lung tissue.
3 Cardiovascular Risks: Nicotine and certain Vaping chemicals may negatively affect- Blood vessels Heart rhythm, and blood pressure. Emerging evidence suggests Vaping may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, though likely less than smoking.
4 Unknown Long-Term Effects: Traditional cigarettes have been studied for decades. Vaping, however, is relatively new. Questions remain regarding cancer risk, Chronic lung disease, Cardiovascular disease, and Neurological effects.
5 Chemical Exposure: Vaping aerosol may contain heavy metals (nickel, lead, chromium), Formaldehyde, Acetaldehyde, and Ultrafine particles. The amount varies depending on device type and usage patterns.
6 Risks to Teenagers and Young Adults: Health authorities worldwide are concerned about increasing Vaping among youth. Potential consequences include: nicotine dependence, Impaired brain development, Attention and memory problems, and a greater likelihood of future tobacco use.
Vaping during pregnancy is not considered safe. Health experts generally advise non-smokers not to start Vaping. Any potential benefit of Vaping applies primarily to smokers switching away from combustible tobacco.
In the end, Vaping occupies a middle ground between smoking and complete abstinence. Current evidence suggests that Vaping is generally less harmful than traditional cigarette smoking because it eliminates combustion and reduces exposure to many toxic substances. However, Vaping is not risk-free. Nicotine addiction, lung irritation, cardiovascular concerns, and uncertain long-term effects remain important issues. The healthiest option remains avoiding both smoking and Vaping altogether. For smokers seeking to quit, Vaping may serve as a harm-reduction tool when used as part of a structured cessation plan under appropriate guidance.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
18th June 2026