The Impact of Electronic
Cigarettes: Health,
Society, and Environment
A Double-Edged Sword of Modern Nicotine Consumption
by Phearum Ke
Introduction to E-
Cigarettes
What Are E- Key Terms
Cigarettes?
Vaping, e-liquid, nicotine
Battery-operated devices salts.
that heat liquid into
aerosol. They contain
nicotine, flavorings, and
chemicals.
Common Brands
Juul, Vuse, Blu.
The Rise of Vaping
$22.45B 14.1%
Market Value (2022) U.S. High School Users
Projected to grow to $39.1 Percentage of students who
billion by 2030. vaped in 2022 (CDC).
3X
Growth Factor
Market expansion rate since
2015.
Key drivers: perceived safety, appealing flavors, and social media
marketing.
Health Impacts
Potential Benefits Known Risks Chemicals of Concern
• Harm reduction for smokers • EVALI (e-cigarette lung injury) • Formaldehyde
• Fewer toxins than cigarettes • Nicotine addiction • Acrolein
• No tar production • Cardiovascular stress • Heavy metals
Environmental Impact
Solutions
Recycling programs, stricter disposal laws
E-Waste
Lithium-ion batteries, electronic components
Disposal Crisis
150 million disposable vapes trashed weekly in the U.S.
Non-recyclable pods and chemical residue create significant environmental hazards.
Regulatory Landscape
United States European Union
FDA banned flavored Tobacco Products Directive
cartridge-based e-cigarettes (TPD) limits nicotine
in 2020. Enforcement concentration in e-liquids.
remains challenging.
Asia
India and China have implemented partial or full bans on e-
cigarette products.
Social & Cultural Influence
Social Media Youth-Targeted New User
Trends Flavors Demographics
#VapeTricks and "Cotton candy" and Rising nicotine
influencer "bubblegum" flavors dependence in
marketing appeal directly to people who never
normalize vaping younger users. smoked traditional
behavior among cigarettes.
youth.
EVALI Outbreak (2019)
Health Crisis
2,807 people hospitalized with severe lung injuries.
Cause Identified
Vitamin E acetate in THC-containing vapes linked to
injuries.
Fatal Outcomes
68 confirmed deaths reported by CDC.
Lesson Learned
Lack of quality control in unregulated vaping markets
poses serious risks.
Solutions & Recommendations
Stricter Regulations Public Education Quitting Support
Ban flavors, enforce age Youth anti-vaping campaigns like FDA-approved therapies plus
verification, standardize safety FDA's "The Real Cost." vaping cessation programs.
testing.
Conclusion
Balanced Approach Ongoing Research
Policies must weigh harm Long-term health effects remain
reduction against youth unknown and require study.
protection.
Environmental Action Public Awareness
Sustainable solutions for e-waste Education about risks and benefits
must be developed. is essential.
