Electronic Cigarettes (Vapes)
What are e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes, also called electronic cigarettes, vapes, or ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems), are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid to create an aerosol (a cloud which carries nicotine and other harmful chemicals), which the user inhales. This liquid usually contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals such as propylene glycol, formaldehyde, and heavy metals like lead and nickel. These chemicals can damage the lungs, brain, and other organs.
These devices are sometimes promoted as safer alternatives to cigarettes or tools to help people quit smoking. However, this is not backed by strong scientific evidence, and the World Health Organization (WHO), along with other international health authorities, advises against their use. In fact, WHO has clearly stated that e-cigarettes are not safe and should not be advertised as smoking cessation tools.
Why are they most popular amongst youths?
This can be true for several reasons. E-cigarettes available in sweet and fruity flavours that make them more appealing, and many contain nicotine salts that allow high levels of nicotine to be inhaled smoothly with less throat irritation. The devices are small, discreet, and easy to hide, and they often look modern and trendy. Social media influence, peer use, and targeted marketing also play a role, along with the common misconception that vaping is harmless. Curiosity, experimentation, and using nicotine to cope with stress further contribute to their popularity among young people.
What are the health risks associated with e-cigarettes?
Addiction: Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm brain development in children, teenagers, and unborn babies when used during pregnancy.
Lung damage: Vaping has been linked to serious lung injuries and respiratory conditions. Some cases have required hospitalisation or resulted in death.
Exposure to toxic substances: Vapour from e-cigarettes may contain ultrafine particles, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and carcinogens that can reach deep into the lungs.
Cardiovascular and immune effects: Regular use can impact heart health and immune system function.
Second-hand exposure: Just like with cigarettes, bystanders can be exposed to harmful substances from the exhaled aerosol.
Are nicotine-free cigarettes safe?
Even e-cigarettes that are marketed as “nicotine-free” (also called ENNDS – Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems) can still pose risks, as they often contain other harmful substances, and their long-term safety is unknown. Some have been found to contain nicotine despite the label, and their use may normalise smoking behaviours, especially among young people.
Time to Rethink Vaping
There is no safe tobacco or nicotine product. E-cigarettes carry significant health risks, particularly for young people and pregnant individuals.
More information
Download our leaflet: Every Puff Matters - vaping [EN/MT]
Nicotine Pouches
What are nicotine pouches?
Nicotine pouches are small, white microfiber pouches that contain nicotine, flavourings, and other ingredients in powder form. They do not contain tobacco leaf.
How are nicotine pouches used?
The nicotine pouch is placed between their upper lip and gum. The nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth into the bloodstream.
Nicotine pouches do not produce smoke or vapor, and they do not require spitting. After use, the pouch is removed and thrown away.
How much nicotine do they contain?
Nicotine pouches are sold in different strengths. Some products contain high levels of nicotine, which can increase the risk of dependence. These pouches are not approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) as smoking cessation aids.
What are the health risks linked to nicotine pouches?
The short- and long-term effects of these pouches are still being studied. However, use can commonly cause gum or mouth irritation, a burning or tingling sensation, hiccups, nausea, and increased saliva, particularly in new users. Brain development continues until about age 25 and nicotine exposure during adolescence can interfere with the parts of the brain responsible for attention, learning and impulse control.
Heated Tobacco Products
What are heated tobacco products (HTPs)?
Heated tobacco products use a battery-powered device to heat specially designed tobacco sticks or capsules. Unlike cigarettes, they do not burn the tobacco. Instead, the device heats it to a high temperature that is high enough to release an aerosol containing nicotine and flavour compounds, but not high enough to cause combustion (burning).
How are the heated tobacco products different from an e-cigarette?
Although both heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes are battery-powered devices, they work differently. Heated tobacco products use real tobacco sticks that are heated without burning, while e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco and they heat a liquid that usually contains nicotine and flavourings to create an aerosol. The aerosol from heated tobacco products (HTPs) is often less visible than cigarette smoke, and it can also look less dense than the vapor from some e-cigarettes.
Are they safe to use?
While heated tobacco products may be marketed in ways that suggest they are “less harmful,” the WHO emphasises that because they are tobacco products and fall under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, they are still considered as addictive tobacco products and should not be considered safe.
What are the health risks linked to heated tobacco products?
The short- and long-term effects of these pouches are still being studied. Commonly reported effects include throat or mouth irritation, cough, headache, nausea, and dizziness. HTPs still expose users to nicotine and other harmful substances and are not risk-free. They are not approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) as smoking cessation aids and their use may delay or prevent complete smoking cessation.