Vaping & Nicotine What You Need to Know.
Vaping products create an aerosol that is inhaled into the lungs. Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, and the aerosol can also contain other substances. Vaping is not risk-free, especially for young people whose brains are still developing.
Vaping at a glance
Vaping means inhaling an aerosol made by an electronic device, such as an e-cigarette or vape pen, that heats a liquid. Most vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and some are used for THC. The aerosol is not harmless water vapor and can expose users to harmful chemicals.
What Is Vaping?
Vaping uses an electronic device to heat a liquid or other material and produce an aerosol that is inhaled.
E-cigarettes and vaping products come in many shapes and sizes, including disposable devices, pod systems and refillable devices.
E-cigarette aerosol is not simply harmless water vapor. Depending on the product, it can contain nicotine and other harmful or potentially harmful substances.
Jump to How It's Used ↓Common Types of Vaping Products
Vaping devices and e-liquids come in many forms. Here are some commonly encountered product types:
Disposable Vapes
Pre-filled, single-use devices that are discarded after the liquid or battery is depleted.
Refillable Vapes
Devices that can be refilled with e-liquid and used multiple times.
Pod-Based Devices
Compact devices that use replaceable or refillable pods or cartridges.
Flavored Products
E-cigarettes are sold in many flavors. In 2024, most U.S. youth who currently used e-cigarettes reported using flavored products.
Vaping by the Numbers
Current data and established health information help put youth vaping into context.
U.S. high school students reported current e-cigarette use in 2024.
is highly addictive, and most e-cigarettes contain nicotine.
is an important period of brain development, and nicotine can harm developing brain systems.
are still being studied, and aerosol can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances.
Source: CDC, 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey and CDC information on the health effects of vaping.
Health Risks and Effects
Vaping is not risk-free, especially for young people.
- Nicotine is highly addictive.
- Nicotine can harm adolescent brain development.
- E-cigarette aerosol can contain harmful chemicals and particles.
- Aerosol can contain substances that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
- Scientists are still learning about the short- and long-term health effects of vaping.
Warning Signs
No single sign proves someone is vaping, but patterns may be worth discussing.
- Sweet or unusual fruit, candy or mint-like scents.
- Vaping devices, pods, cartridges or unfamiliar chargers.
- Frequent unexplained breaks or leaving the room.
- Increased secrecy around devices or personal belongings.
- Irritability or difficulty concentrating when nicotine is unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vaping?
Why do young people vape?
Is vaping safer than smoking cigarettes?
What are the short- and long-term health effects?
Can you get addicted to vaping?
How can I talk to a young person about vaping?
Educational Resources
Explore available resources about vaping, nicotine and drug education.
Resource Library
Browse educational materials, videos, guides and drug information resources.
View Resources →
General Resources
Find additional educational material and information about substance use.
View Resources →
For Parents & Families
Tools and information to help families start factual conversations and support healthy decisions.
Parent Resources →
For Schools & Educators
Access drug education resources and presentation information for schools and youth-serving organizations.
Educator Resources →
Start the conversation today.
Talk with young people about vaping and nicotine using truthful, factual information. Drug Educators Alliance works to help people understand drugs and make informed decisions.
Teach the truth about drugs
Drug Educators Alliance trains teachers, school resource officers and driver educators to deliver factual drug education, with a ready-to-use curriculum and free student booklets.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): E-Cigarettes (Vapes)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): E-Cigarettes, Vapes and Other ENDS
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Vaping
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
Last reviewed: October 2026 by Drug Educators Alliance