What are vapes and why people use them
Vaping devices (also called electronic cigarettes, “e-cigarettes,” or electronic nicotine delivery systems, ENDS) are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid (often called “e-liquid,” “vape juice”) to produce an aerosol which users inhale. The liquids typically contain nicotine, flavourings, solvents such as propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, and sometimes other additives such as metals or flavouring agents that may degrade into harmful chemicals when heated.
People vape for different reasons, some see vaping as a way to reduce or quit smoking traditional cigarettes, especially when those are expensive, heavily taxed, or socially restricted. Others are drawn by flavors, perceptions of reduced risk, peer behaviour, or marketing; among young people, the social and aesthetic appeal is strong. In many African countries, relatively relaxed regulation (or gaps in enforcement) enables youth to access (especially flavoured or disposable) vapes without strong age verification.
Are they alternatives to cigarettes?
Many public health authorities view e-cigarettes as potentially less harmful than traditional combustible cigarettes when used by adult smokers who otherwise would continue to smoke. The logic is that vaping avoids burning tobacco, which generates tar, carbon monoxide, and many carcinogens. Thus, replacing cigarette smoking with vaping may reduce exposure to some toxicants.
However “less harmful” does not mean “harmless.” There is no e-cigarette product that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a cessation device (as of latest sources) in many jurisdictions, though vaping is being evaluated as an aid for quitting in some regulatory frameworks.
Also, dual use (vaping plus smoking) is common; in such cases risk may not decline much because smoking continues to deliver high levels of harmful substances. There is also concern that vaping may serve as a gateway for non-smokers (especially youth) towards nicotine addiction and possibly traditional smoking.
Health implications of vaping, and how it may be slowly harming users
You see, vaping carries both short-term and long-term risks. Many of these are still under active research; data in Africa are more limited than in high-income countries, but emerging studies show worrying trends.
Short-term effects
- Irritation of airways: users often report coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath. The aerosols from vapes contain fine and ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds, and chemicals such as acrolein and formaldehyde, which irritate lung tissue.
- Cardiovascular effects: nicotine increases heart rate, raises blood pressure, constricts blood vessels. Even vaping without nicotine has been associated with immediate changes in vascular function in some studies.
- Addiction: nicotine is highly addictive. Especially in adolescents and young adults, exposure during brain development leads to increased risk of dependence, cognitive effects (attention, mood), possibly risk for later substance use.
Medium to long-term risks
- Chronic lung disease: while long-term prospective data are fewer, there is evidence of reduced lung function, exacerbation of asthma, risk of chronic bronchitis, and possibly the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Respiratory injury syndromes: EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) has been recorded, particularly linked to vaping substances that include unregulated additives. Though many EVALI cases have been in the US, the mechanisms ( toxic oils, adulterants ) are relevant globally where regulation is weak.
- Toxic metal exposure: heating elements and device components can release heavy metals (nickel, lead, chromium, tin, etc.) into aerosol; long-term inhalation of these is linked to cancer or organ damage.
- Flavoring chemical damage: flavour agents that are safe for ingestion may be harmful when inhaled. For example diacetyl (buttery flavour) has been linked to bronchiolitis obliterans (“popcorn lung”) in some exposed workers; when used in vape liquids, they may pose risk.
Impact on Africa / young adults
- Nutrition and financial burden: A study in South Africa among young adults (18-34 years) found that e-cigarette users were more likely to have unhealthy diets, similar to smokers, possibly because money spent on vaping or smoking reduces budget available for nutritious food.
- Knowledge and risk perception: In Anambra State, Nigeria, a study found that although many young adults knew about respiratory and cardiovascular risk, fewer appreciated the full breadth of risks or addictive potential. Also, many learned about vaping online rather than through health services.
- Weak regulation: Nigeria currently allows the sale and use of vape products almost without age restrictions; sales of flavoured pods and disposables are widespread. Laws meant to protect minors often do not clearly include vaping.
Now let me tell you how vaping may be “slowly killing you”
The phrase “slowly killing you” describes the gradual, cumulative harm vaping causes to the body. Each puff delivers fine particles and toxic chemicals deep into the lungs. When e-liquids are heated, they release substances such as formaldehyde, acrolein, and acetaldehyde—known irritants that inflame and damage lung tissue. Over time, this chronic irritation weakens the airways, reduces lung capacity, and increases the risk of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and possibly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Nicotine adds another layer of harm. It narrows blood vessels, raises heart rate and blood pressure, and damages the inner lining of arteries. Continuous exposure promotes atherosclerosis and increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. In young users, nicotine also interferes with brain development, impairing memory, focus, and impulse control while reinforcing addiction pathways.
The heating coils in vapes can release heavy metals like nickel, lead, and chromium, which build up in the lungs and bloodstream, generating oxidative stress that damages cells and DNA. These effects may take years to appear, which is why many users feel healthy even as damage accumulates.
In parts of Africa, where many people start vaping young and healthcare access is limited, early signs of heart or lung injury often go unnoticed until advanced. Unregulated or counterfeit vape products—common in informal markets—may contain even higher toxin levels, worsening the risk.
Vaping does not kill suddenly; it erodes health quietly. Over years, the combined effects on the lungs, heart, and brain can shorten life expectancy and create lifelong dependence on nicotine.
Finally, for people who already smoke cigarettes, replacing smoking with regulated vaping may reduce exposure to many of the worst harms of combustion, but many risks remain. For non-smokers—especially youth—vaping introduces risks of nicotine addiction, lung injury, and other harm. In Africa, weak regulation, heavy flavouring, ready access, and gaps in public knowledge amplify the dangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vaping cause cancer?
Vapes expose users to carcinogenic substances (e.g. formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, some heavy metals). While definitive long-term cancer risk data are still developing (especially among exclusive vapers without prior smoking), there is plausible biological risk.
Is vaping safer than smoking?
Compared to cigarette smoking, vaping typically results in lower exposure to many of the harmful byproducts of burning tobacco. But “safer” does not mean “safe.” Many negative health effects (lung, cardiovascular, addiction) remain, particularly with prolonged use, youth initiation, and dual use.
Can vaping help people quit smoking?
Some evidence supports vaping as a harm-reduction tool for smokers who have not succeeded using other methods. But because of the risks, support (behavioural, medical) and switching to safer nicotine sources is preferred. Also, no vape product is approved as a cessation aid in many jurisdictions.
What are EVALI and “popcorn lung”?
EVALI stands for “E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury,” an acute severe lung illness seen mostly with vaping products containing illicit additives. “Popcorn lung” is bronchiolitis obliterans: irreversible scarring of small airways, associated with inhaled diacetyl used in some flavourings.
What should clinicians in Africa watch for?
Be alert for early respiratory symptoms, cardiovascular signs; ask patients about vaping or dual use. Advocate for inclusion of vaping in tobacco control laws. Support local research and health education to address myths and knowledge gaps.
