VAPING has rapidly become one of the most talked-about health issues of the decade. At its core, vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol or vapor produced from heating a liquid using a device or electronic cigarette.
Unlike traditional smoking, which involves burning tobacco, vaping does not rely on combustion. This distinction has led many to believe vaping is a safer alternative, but experts warn that the absence of smoke does not mean the absence of harm.
Cimas Health Group’s doctor Prudence Mutsimba explained that vape liquids usually contain nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavouring chemicals, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds and carcinogens.
“Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that affects the brain’s reward system and can cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and anxiety. It also affects the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and blood pressure,” she said.
While some of these substances are considered safe for ingestion, their long-term effects when inhaled remain unknown. Flavouring chemicals such as diacetyl have been linked to lung conditions that include bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as “popcorn lung”.
One of the most common misconceptions about vaping is that it is “just water vapour and harmless.” Mutsimba stressed that this is not entirely correct. The aerosol from vapes contains fine particles and a complex mix of chemicals, not simply water, and these are associated with serious health risks such as chronic lung irritation.
Short-term effects of vaping include mouth and airway irritation, coughing, headaches, dizziness, nausea, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Some users have also reported bad breath. Long-term effects are more severe, ranging from chronic lung irritation to cardiovascular abnormalities, with increased risks of heart attacks and strokes.
For young people, vaping can negatively affect attention, learning, and memory. Risks of long-term respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, are still being studied, but nicotine dependence is already well established.
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Mutsimba warned that vaping can damage lung function, especially in young people or those with pre-existing conditions.
“Chemicals and ultrafine particles in lungs can cause chronic inflammation to lungs causing scarring of lung tissue and leading to breathing problems such as coughing, wheezing and sometimes shortness of breath,” she said.
“There is also what’s called VAPI (Vaping associated pulmonary injury) also called VALI (Vaping associated lung injury) or EVALI (e-cigarette product-use injury) which describes lung diseases associated with vaping.
“The condition can be life threatening, and sufferers often present with symptoms of pneumonia but do not respond to antibiotics,” the group doctor said.
Mutsimba pointed out that the Centre for Disease Control found most reported cases involved tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with vitamin E acetate strongly implicated, though other chemicals may also contribute.
Beyond the lungs, vaping has been linked to cardiovascular issues. Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure, and long-term use can contribute to arterial stiffness, oxidative stress, and inflammation, all risk factors for atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
Some studies suggest an increased risk of myocardial infarction for vapers, and research also points to higher risks of dementia, heart disease and organ failure.
Addiction is another major concern. She noted that most vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive.
“Nicotine dependence manifestations can be grouped into psychological, physical and behavioural,” Mutsimba said.
She described psychological effects of vaping such as strong cravings, anxiety, poorconcentration and mood changes. Physical manifestations include tolerance, withdrawal symptoms such as headache, increased appetite, drowsiness, fatigue, insomnia, tremors and slow heart rate.
Behavioural signs include needing to vape soon after waking, constantly checking for the device, and feeling anxious or stressed when unable to use it.
Second-hand exposure is not risk-free either. While less harmful than second-hand smoke, vapor still contains nicotine and other chemicals that can be inhaled by bystanders. Children are particularly vulnerable, with risks of bronchitis and allergic reactions. Pregnant women face even greater dangers.
“Nicotine easily crosses the placenta and accumulates in foetal tissues. It affects foetal brain oxygen supply, placental function and foetal brain development. This can result in complications such as placenta previa or abruptio, premature rupture of membranes and preterm birth,” Mutsimba said.
“It leads to intra uterine growth restriction, small infants, altered brain development. It also increases the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning difficulties and behavioural problems to the children of mothers who take it whilst pregnant.”
Some argue that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking. Mutsimba acknowledged that while major reviews conclude vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, framing it as “safe” is medically inaccurate.
“Vaping is less harmful, not harmless,” she emphasised. Vaping exposes users to fewer toxic chemicals than burning tobacco, but it carries its own risks, particularly severe lung illness and unknown long-term effects. For smokers who have failed to quit through other methods, switching to vaping may be considered a harm-reduction strategy, but the ultimate goal should always be to quit nicotine completely.
The popularity of vaping among teenagers and young adults is driven by social influence, marketing, and misconceptions.
Many believe it is risk-free or safer than smoking. Flavoured vape products, often resembling candy or chocolate, make vaping more appealing to youth.
Mutsimba said she believes stricter regulation is necessary to curb this trend.
She advocated for a multi-pronged approach involving schools, parents and health professionals.
Schools should treat vaping as a health issue rather than a disciplinary one, offering education, counselling, and programmes that promote well-being.
Parents can help by learning about the risks, talking to their children, and encouraging hobbies and family activities to reduce boredom.
Health professionals should lead community health promotion programmes, raising awareness and demystifying misconceptions.
For those trying to quit, effective strategies include nicotine replacement therapy products that include patches, gum, and lozenges, which help manage withdrawal symptoms. Behavioural strategies such as setting a quit date, planning, identifying triggers and finding distractions are also useful.
Prescription medications such as bupropion and varenicline, approved for smoking cessation, can assist with nicotine withdrawal. Recognising early signs of addiction is crucial. These include needing to vape soon after waking, frequently checking for the device, making excuses to use it in restricted places, increasing frequency or nicotine concentration, experiencing mood changes when unable to vape and struggling to stop despite trying.
Mutsimba called for strict regulations on content, labelling and marketing of vape products. Manufacturers must clearly label ingredients, and age restrictions should be enforced through legislation.
Regulatory bodies such as the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe should license sellers, and vape products should be classified under harmful substances. Public health campaigns, especially those involving social media influencers, can help spread awareness among youth.
“Cimas would like to emphasise that while vaping may appear trendy, it is not harmless and carries significant health risks. Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking. It is not just water vapor and introduces harmful chemicals into the body,” Mutsimba said.
“Addiction is real, nicotine is highly addictive and can have severe consequences. Prevention is the way to go, never starting being the best way to protect your health and those around you.
“If you have already started, we encourage you to make efforts to quit. Seek help if you are struggling with nicotine dependency,” the Cimas doctor said.
The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Cimas iGo Wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. It is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. — [email protected]/ WhatsApp: 0772 161 829/ phone 024-2773 0663.
