Vaping vs. Smoking: New Study Suggests Vapes May Be More Harmful Than Previously Thought

In the past decade, the rise of vaping has been nothing short of meteoric. Marketed as a cleaner, safer alternative to traditional smoking, e-cigarettes quickly gained popularity among both smokers looking to quit and young adults drawn to the sleek devices and flavored nicotine pods. But a growing body of research is casting serious doubt on the assumed safety of vaping. A new study, in particular, has sparked fresh concerns by suggesting that the long-term health effects of vaping may rival—or even surpass—those of smoking traditional cigarettes.

The Study That’s Raising Eyebrows

The research, conducted by a team of scientists at a major U.S. university and published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, tracked the health outcomes of over 10,000 individuals over a five-year period. The participants were divided into three primary groups: smokers, vapers, and non-users. The findings were startling. While smokers still showed the highest rates of respiratory diseases and cardiovascular complications, vapers were not far behind—and in some instances, they showed unique patterns of lung damage not typically associated with tobacco smoke.

Lead researcher Dr. Emily Carter explained, “We found that vaping isn’t the harmless alternative it’s often portrayed as. The chemical compounds in e-cigarette aerosols may create different but equally harmful pathways for disease.”

What’s in a Vape?

Unlike cigarettes, which burn tobacco to release nicotine, e-cigarettes heat a liquid solution containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. This vapor is then inhaled. The assumption has long been that avoiding the combustion process makes vaping safer. However, heating these chemical mixtures can produce a host of new compounds—including formaldehyde, acrolein, and heavy metals like nickel and lead—that may have toxic effects on the lungs and bloodstream.

In particular, the study noted a troubling rise in instances of bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare but severe lung disease commonly referred to as “popcorn lung.” This condition has been linked to diacetyl, a buttery flavoring chemical found in many vape juices.

The Cardiovascular Risk

Beyond the lungs, the heart may also be at risk. Vaping has been shown to increase heart rate and blood pressure in ways similar to smoking. In the new study, participants who vaped daily showed signs of arterial stiffness and increased oxidative stress—both predictors of heart disease. Some of these markers were found to be more pronounced in vapers than in smokers, potentially due to the chemical composition of vape liquids or the frequency with which users puff on their devices.

Dr. Carter noted, “Because vaping is often perceived as safe, users may consume more nicotine than they realize. Many people vape continuously throughout the day, exposing themselves to prolonged periods of elevated heart rate and vascular stress.”

Youth Appeal and Addiction

Another major concern is the appeal of vaping to adolescents. The flavored varieties, sleek designs, and easy concealability of vape pens have made them extremely popular among teens. According to the CDC, nearly 14% of high school students reported vaping in 2023, many of whom had never smoked cigarettes.

Nicotine, regardless of how it’s delivered, is highly addictive and has a profound impact on the developing brain. Long-term exposure during adolescence can impair memory, attention, and impulse control. The study also highlighted the risk of gateway behavior, where young vapers eventually transition to combustible cigarettes or other forms of substance use.

Regulatory Response

In light of such findings, health authorities around the world are revisiting their stance on e-cigarettes. While some countries like the UK still promote vaping as a harm-reduction tool for smokers, others, including Australia and India, have taken more restrictive approaches, including outright bans or heavy regulations.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun cracking down on flavored vape products and is scrutinizing the health claims made by e-cigarette manufacturers. However, the rapidly evolving vape market often outpaces regulation, with new devices and formulas constantly emerging.

The Dilemma for Smokers

This new evidence puts smokers and healthcare providers in a difficult position. Many people have successfully quit smoking through vaping, and there is no doubt that combustible tobacco is extremely harmful. So where does that leave vaping?

Experts suggest a cautious approach. Dr. Carter and her team don’t recommend switching to vaping as a first-line method for quitting smoking. Instead, they advocate for FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches or gum, combined with behavioral support. If vaping is used, it should be seen strictly as a transitional tool—not a lifestyle product.

Public Health Messaging

One of the biggest challenges facing public health officials is changing the narrative around vaping. Many people, especially young adults, still view it as “harmless,” or at least much safer than smoking. The truth, according to the study, is more complicated.

Public education campaigns are beginning to address this, highlighting not just the addictive nature of vaping but also the long-term health consequences that are only now becoming apparent.

The Bottom Line

The new study adds to a growing consensus among scientists that vaping is not the safe haven it was once believed to be. While it may still pose fewer risks than smoking for certain adult populations, its potential harms—especially when used long-term or by youth—cannot be ignored.

As research continues to shed light on the complexities of nicotine delivery and chemical exposure, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: vaping deserves just as much scrutiny as smoking. The era of assuming e-cigarettes are the “lesser evil” may soon be over.