For years, vaping has been marketed as a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, but emerging research is painting a very different picture. A new study has revealed that even vaping devices labeled as “nicotine-free” can cause significant harm to your health. While many people assume that removing nicotine eliminates the primary risks, the reality is far more concerning. Whether you’re inhaling nicotine-laden vapor or a nicotine-free alternative, the effects on your body—particularly your vascular system—are undeniable.
The study, conducted by the University of Pennsylvania and published in Medical and Life Sciences, focused on the impact of vaping and smoking on the body’s vascular system. This system, also referred to as the circulatory system, is responsible for transporting blood and lymph fluid throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues, and removing metabolic waste. Disruptions to this critical system can lead to long-term health issues, including cardiovascular disease and poor tissue oxygenation.
Researchers selected 31 healthy participants aged 21 to 49, including both vapers and smokers. Each subject underwent two MRI scans—one before and one after using their respective devices. The participants were instructed to use three different types of products: nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, nicotine-free e-cigarettes, and traditional tobacco cigarettes. Measurements were taken to analyze blood flow rates and the amount of oxygen returning to the heart. The results were then compared to baseline scans of a control group consisting of 10 non-smokers and non-vapers aged 21 to 33.
The findings were alarming. Regardless of whether the e-cigarette contained nicotine or not, there was a significant decrease in resting blood flow velocity in the superficial femoral artery—a major artery responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the lower body. Among the three groups, the most severe decline in vascular function was observed after participants inhaled nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. However, nicotine-free e-cigarettes weren’t far behind, suggesting that vaping devices themselves, not just the nicotine they may or may not contain, are a cause for concern.
Another troubling discovery was the decrease in venous oxygen saturation levels across all vaping groups. Whether nicotine was present or absent, oxygen delivery to tissues was reduced, and the heart’s ability to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood became impaired. In simple terms, vaping—regardless of nicotine content—interferes with your body’s ability to meet its oxygen demands effectively. This reduction in oxygen supply can lead to fatigue, poor tissue repair, and increased vulnerability to vascular diseases over time.
Dr. Marianna Nabbout, the lead author of the study, emphasized the broader implications of the findings. She stated, “This study highlights the acute effects smoking and vaping can have on a multitude of vascular beds in the human body. If acute e-cigarette use can have an immediate effect on the arteries, long-term usage may induce vascular disease.” Her conclusion is clear: whether your vape contains nicotine or not, the risks are substantial, and quitting is the only surefire way to avoid further damage.
Beyond the effects on the vascular system, vaping has been linked to a range of other health problems. The vapor produced by e-cigarettes often contains harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and acrolein, which can cause lung irritation and long-term damage. Additionally, heavy metals such as nickel, lead, and tin can leach from the device’s internal components and accumulate in the body, potentially causing neurological disorders and respiratory complications. In severe cases, vaping has been associated with a condition known as EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury), a potentially fatal illness that can result in chronic lung damage or even death.
However, there’s a silver lining: the human body is incredibly resilient, and quitting vaping can bring about significant health improvements. Even after years of regular vaping, positive changes begin to occur almost immediately after quitting. Within days, blood flow starts to improve, and tissue oxygenation returns to normal levels. Over the following weeks and months, lung capacity increases, and the body begins to repair the damage caused by prolonged vaping. While nicotine withdrawal can be challenging—often causing cravings, irritability, and fatigue—the long-term benefits, including increased energy, improved heart health, and reduced risks of chronic disease, far outweigh the temporary discomfort.
The evidence is crystal clear: vaping, even without nicotine, is not a harmless habit. It has immediate, measurable effects on your body, including reduced blood flow, poor oxygenation, and impaired vascular function. These acute effects can eventually snowball into chronic diseases if vaping continues over time. Lung damage, cardiovascular disease, and neurological complications are just a few of the long-term risks associated with e-cigarette use.
That said, quitting vaping is one of the most effective steps you can take to safeguard your health. The body has an incredible ability to heal, and every day without vaping brings measurable improvements. Whether you’ve been vaping for months or years, the decision to quit today can prevent irreversible damage and set you on a path to better health and well-being.
In the end, the message is clear: vaping is far from the harmless habit it’s often portrayed to be. Whether your device contains nicotine or not, the risks are real, and the consequences can be severe. But the good news is that quitting is within your control, and your body will reward you with improved health, better energy levels, and a reduced risk of life-threatening diseases. Don’t wait—your future self will thank you for making the choice to prioritize your health today.
