Many young people now carry colorful, stylish e-cigarette devices that emit fruity aromas. Although these products may appear harmless, they may pose hidden risks to users’ health. Not only can they damage the lungs, but they may also affect the brain.
In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows certain flavored e-cigarettes—such as coffee and cinnamon—to be sold on the market. However, to prevent youth use, the agency does not approve fruit-flavored e-cigarettes.
Chen Mu-Jung, a specialist physician with the Taiwan Academy of Pediatric Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and director of the Ren-Ai Yuzu Clinic, said that both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes pose a threat to the lung health of users and those exposed to secondhand vapor, in an episode of “She Health” on NTD, a sister outlet of The Epoch Times.
“In essence, they are equally harmful—there is no meaningful difference between them,” he said.
“Some manufacturers have even marketed e-cigarettes as colorful ‘juice sticks’ to make them sound harmless. Some users may claim they are not smoking at all, but simply using a ’juice stick,’ even in places where smoking is prohibited.”
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Many young people now mistakenly believe that e-cigarettes produce nothing more than fragrant water vapor, Chen said. However, studies have found that they contain many hazardous substances.
The Effects of E-Cigarettes on the Lungs
Traditional cigarettes rely on burning tobacco, producing high temperatures and a glowing ember. E-cigarettes, by contrast, use electronic devices to heat liquids or additives, generating a smoke-like aerosol.
A 2025 study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University showed that among 1,300 e-cigarette products identified in schools across the state, 83 percent contained nicotine and 14 percent contained cannabinoids. Additionally, aerosols emitted by e-cigarettes were found to contain elevated levels of bacteria, including E. coli.
The aerosol particles are extremely small—similar to the fine particulate matter known as PM2.5—and can easily penetrate deep into the lungs, Chen said. With long-term inhalation, lung X-rays may show dark or white spots, indicating reduced breathing capacity.
Additionally, flavored e-cigarettes contain a variety of flavoring agents, some of which may not meet food-grade standards. Even when they do meet food safety standards, they are not designed to be inhaled into the lungs, and their safety when inhaled remains unclear.
The Addictive Nature of E-Cigarettes
Many people turn to e-cigarettes in an attempt to quit traditional tobacco, but this can often become the start of another form of addiction.
Nicotine stimulates the brain to release dopamine, producing feelings of pleasure. However, long-term use can lead to tolerance, meaning users must inhale increasing amounts to achieve the same effect, which can eventually lead to addiction.
Even e-cigarettes marketed as nicotine-free may still contain harmful substances, including carcinogens such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.
E-cigarettes are essentially inhalation devices, Chen said. They can contain a wide range of additives that are difficult to regulate, and may also be used to inhale illicit drugs.
Adolescents may unknowingly inhale e-liquids containing drug substances provided by friends. This not only increases the risk of more severe addiction but may also expose them to illegal activity.
The Effects of E-Cigarettes on the Brain
In addition to damaging the respiratory system and increasing cancer risk, e-cigarettes may also harm the brain and impair cognitive function.
These associations remained significant even after controlling for potential influencing factors such as socioeconomic status, parental monitoring, and the use of other substances.
Guiding Children Away From E-Cigarette Use
Chen recommends that parents take a proactive and supportive approach to help children recognize the risks and misconceptions surrounding e-cigarettes.
- Provide Accurate Information: Search for relevant research online and explain to children how e-cigarettes can harm the lungs, brain, and immune system.
- Use Visual Examples: Show children real cases, such as lung X-rays showing dark or white spots after e-cigarette use, to help them better understand the potential harm.
- Develop Critical Judgment: Encourage children to support their friends in resisting peer pressure to use e-cigarettes.
Anyone who wishes to quit smoking should seek professional medical advice, Chen said. The ultimate goal is to avoid both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes and return to breathing clean, fresh air.
