Vaping: emerging harms health systems can’t ignore
March 16, 2026 by theconversation.com
Vaping: emerging harms health systems can’t ignore
E-cigarettes appeared around 2010 and were initially seen as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes because they deliver nicotine without toxic tar and combustion products. Public health organizations even supported them as a possible tool to help adult smokers quit. Early research suggested that vaping could be about 95% less harmful than smoking. However, after more than a decade the safety of vaping is less certain. A recent study found that people who vape or smoke have nearly 50% higher odds of having elevated blood pressure than non-users, although other lifestyle factors may also influence the results.
