Can Vaping Cause Lung Cancer? Here’s What We Know
There’s been a lot of discourse of late on vaping and the damage it can cause to the lungs. While initially vaping was seen as a healthier alternative to smoking, is it actually? And could it lead to lung cancer? Oncodaily states that 14.1% of adults aged 18 to 25 actively vape, meaning that understanding the health risks is more urgent than ever before. This post will explore some of the latest research and findings on the effects of vaping and lung cancer.
How is Vaping Different from Cigarettes?
While smoking traditional cigarettes and vaping are often grouped together, they each come with their own distinct differences.
Smoking burns tobacco and produces a smoke that is inhaled into the lungs. This smoke contains nicotine and thousands of other harmful chemicals, 70 of which are carcinogens.
Vaping, also known as E-Cigarettes, on the other hand, involves heating a liquid usually containing nicotine, but not always, and it has flavorings alongside other chemicals.
What Does The Evidence Show?
As of yet, studies conducted have not found a direct causal link between vaping and lung cancer in humans. But, there is mounting evidence that suggests that vaping can increase the risk of lung cancer. And people who smoke and vape are increasing their risk of getting lung cancer and are four times more likely to develop lung cancer than those who only smoke.
An extensive population study presented at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2024 International Conference — a leading annual event for respiratory health research — found that ex-smokers who now vape face a higher risk of lung cancer compared to those who do not vape.
Researchers evaluated 4,329,288 people with a history of smoking who participated in the Republic of Korea's National Health Screening Program in 2012-2014 and again in 2018. The follow-up study in 2018 found that 53,354 people had developed lung cancer. And 6,351 people had died from lung cancer. Notably, ex-smokers who had quit for more than five years but had since vaped were at a greater risk of lung cancer than those who had quit for the same duration and did not vape.
"Our results indicate that when integrating smoking cessation interventions to reduce lung cancer risk, the potential harms of using e-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking must be considered," said cooresponding author, Dr. Yeon Wook Kim, MD.
Beyond lung health, the risks extend to the heart, a 2024 study has revealed that nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes negatively impact vascular function and left ventricle-arterial coupling. Traditional cigarettes were also found to significantly impair left ventricle contractile function. These cardiovascular effects further underscore the potential long-term health consequences for both smoking and vaping.
Bottom line: Whether smoking or vaping, your lungs — and your heart — are exposed to harmful substances that can lead to serious disease. Quitting both completely remains the best way to protect your respiratory and overall health.
Do Vapes Have Lead?
One of the most pressing questions of today is whether or not vapes contain lead. The answer is, “yes”. Disposable vapes can contain lead, and a 2025 study from UC Davis found that some disposable vapes (which have now been banned in the UK as of June 1st, 2025) emit more lead in one day than nearly 20 packs of traditional cigarettes. And this is before you look at other metals such as chromium, nickel and lead, as well as carbonyl compounds like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein and diacetyl.
But the presence of lead in vapes isn't limited to disposable vapes; lead is also found in older reusable devices, meaning people can be exposed to harmful heavy metals at unsafe levels using both reusable and disposable devices.
Take the First Step Toward Better Breathing
Your lungs work hard for you every single day — don’t let smoking or vaping hold them back. The latest research is clear: both can cause lasting harm to your respiratory and cardiovascular health. At The Lung Docs, we’re here to help you quit for good, assess your lung health, and create a personalized plan for long-term wellness.
Book your appointment today and take control of your health — because every breath matters.
Chattanooga’s leading lung doctor, Dr. Mike Czarnecki, MD, is renowned for delivering exceptional care and innovative treatments in pulmonary medicine. Whether you need a quick check-in to discuss symptoms or want to make sure your medications are optimized, a telehealth appointment can help you stay on top of your health from anywhere you go this holiday season. Click here to contact us to book an appointment.
