When e-cigarettes first appeared in the early 2000s, they were promoted as a safer alternative to smoking. But in the years since, vaping among teens has surged, and its health effects have become increasingly concerning.
Vaping’s popularity peaked in 2019 before beginning to decline, yet it remains the most commonly used tobacco product among youth. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, teen vaping rates dropped from 9% to 7% between 2019 and 2020.
“We are working closely with parents to help kids, some as young as ten years old, overcome nicotine addiction and prevent them from turning to smoking later in life,” said Swati Baveja, MD, assistant professor in the pulmonary and critical care department at Loma Linda University Health.
In 2024, the FDA and Department of Justice launched a national task force to crack down on illegal e-cigarette sales, many of which involve flavored or counterfeit products that appeal to minors.
“A lot of adolescent users report using flavored e-cigarettes,” Baveja said. “The flavors and marketing are what draw them in.”
Why teens vape, and why it’s dangerous
“Many adolescents still believe vaping is harmless or safer than smoking,” Baveja said. “While it contains fewer carcinogens than traditional cigarettes, it still damages the lungs and brain.”
Short-term side effects include coughing, throat irritation, asthma flare-ups, and even seizures or heart issues.
Long-term effects can include chronic lung disease, impaired lung development, and mental health problems like anxiety and depression.
“Nicotine rewires the developing brain,” Baveja said. “We’re seeing links to attention disorders and increased risk for addiction later in life.”
From vaping to smoking
Studies show that 20% to 30% of teens who vape begin smoking cigarettes within one to two years. “It’s not just an alternative, it’s a gateway to smoking cigarettes and other substances,” Baveja said.
What Parents Should Look For
- Sweet or fruity odors
- Hidden USB-like devices
- Frequent coughing or shortness of breath
- Increased irritability or anxiety
- Decline in school performance
“If you see these signs, it’s time to start a conversation,” Baveja said.
How to help teens quit vaping
Baveja recommends a combination of behavioral therapy and medical treatment.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help teens address triggers.
- Digital interventions, such as motivational text messages, have also shown promise.
- If needed, physicians may prescribe varenicline or nicotine replacement therapy to help manage cravings.
“Quitting early makes a huge difference,” she said. “The sooner teens stop, the better their lungs and their futures will be.”
What’s next in vaping research
Researchers are still studying the long-term effects of vaping.
“We’re looking at how it impacts lung function and diseases like COPD or cancer later in life,” Baveja said. “We’re still learning how deep this goes.”
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