Can Secondhand Vape Exposure Be Harmful?

Vaping has become an increasingly popular alternative to smoking cigarettes, particularly among younger adults and teens. With the rise of e-cigarettes, many people believe that vaping is a safer option. But as the number of vapers increases, so does the exposure of non-vapers to secondhand vape aerosols. Much like secondhand smoke from traditional cigarettes, secondhand vapor may raise concerns about its potential impact on people who don’t vape. This raises an important question: Can secondhand vape exposure be harmful?

Many assume that secondhand vape is less dangerous than secondhand smoke smells because it comes from an electronic device. While it may not produce the same harmful combustion products as cigarettes, e-cigarettes still release aerosol clouds containing various chemicals. These clouds, often misunderstood as harmless vapor, are filled with particles that could have serious health effects on those who are exposed.

Research into secondhand vape exposure is still in its early stages. However, early findings are enough to suggest that breathing in these aerosols can be problematic for non-vapers, especially in enclosed spaces where ventilation is limited. Just like cigarette smoke, secondhand vapor may put vulnerable populations—children, pregnant women, and people with respiratory conditions—at risk.

Here we will discuss what secondhand vape exposure is? and provide practical tips on how to reduce exposure for those who don’t vape.

Overview

Vaping involves inhaling and exhaling an aerosol produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. While many users believe that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, these devices still contain nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals that are heated and then inhaled. The aerosol cloud released from vaping isn’t just harmless water vapor. It consists of tiny particles that can be inhaled by others in the surrounding area.

E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid, often called e-liquid or vape juice, which is typically made up of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine, and flavorings. When this liquid heats up, it creates an aerosol that can linger in the air. Though it may appear as harmless vapor, this aerosol contains numerous compounds, some of which can be harmful. Nicotine, formaldehyde, and heavy metals such as lead have been found in vape aerosols.

It's essential to note that secondhand exposure to these compounds can occur when non-vapers are nearby while someone is vaping. Unlike secondhand cigarette smoke, which has been extensively studied, the effects of secondhand vape exposure are less well understood. Yet, emerging evidence suggests that while the risks may not be identical, they are still significant enough to warrant caution.

As more studies continue to be published on this topic, understanding the nature of secondhand vape exposure will become increasingly important, especially for public health initiatives and regulations.

Vaping Around Others

When you vape in the presence of others,  in confined spaces like cars, homes, or offices, those nearby can inhale the particles and chemicals released by your e-cigarette. Unlike smoking, where the dangers of secondhand smoke are well known and regulated in many public spaces, vaping still lacks comprehensive guidelines in most regions. As a result, many vapers don’t realize that their habit may be affecting the people around them.

Secondhand exposure to vaping products can be more likely in certain environments. For example, workplaces that allow vaping indoors expose more people to these aerosols. Similarly, if vaping occurs in cars or homes, children and pets who share these spaces can also be at risk. Because the aerosol clouds produced by e-cigarettes can remain in the air for some time, even people who enter the space after the vaping has occurred may be exposed.

Vaping around others is especially concerning in areas with poor ventilation. In an enclosed room, for example, the chemicals released by vaping may accumulate, causing higher levels of exposure. This is particularly problematic for those with respiratory issues, such as asthma, as well as vulnerable populations like pregnant women and young children.

Even though vaping is often marketed as a “safer” alternative, vapers should be mindful of where and when they vape. Non-vapers, especially those with preexisting health conditions, may still experience adverse reactions to the chemicals in secondhand vapor. While some public spaces have banned indoor vaping, many areas are still unregulated, leaving room for potential exposure.

Risks of Secondhand Vapes

Although research into the dangers of secondhand vape exposure is still evolving, some studies suggest it can be harmful to both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Much like secondhand smoke, secondhand vape aerosols can contain nicotine, ultrafine particles, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may pose health risks.

Respiratory Issues

One of the most immediate concerns related to secondhand vape exposure is respiratory irritation. E-cigarette aerosols contain chemicals that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Inhaling these particles can worsen conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. This is particularly true for children, whose lungs are still developing, and people with preexisting respiratory issues.

Some studies have found that even brief exposure to secondhand vapor can reduce lung function in healthy individuals. Over time, repeated exposure could potentially lead to chronic respiratory problems. The long-term effects of secondhand vaping are not yet fully understood, but early data suggests that it could contribute to respiratory conditions in a similar way that secondhand cigarette smoke does.

Nicotine Exposure

Nicotine is one of the primary ingredients in most e-liquids, and secondhand exposure to nicotine can have health implications. Although the levels of nicotine in secondhand vapor are generally lower than in secondhand smoke, they are still significant. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and even passive exposure could lead to addiction or other health effects, especially in young children and teens.

In addition to being addictive, nicotine can affect the cardiovascular system, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. This is particularly concerning for individuals who may already have underlying cardiovascular conditions. Pregnant women exposed to nicotine, even in small amounts, may also experience negative health effects for their developing fetus, such as low birth weight or premature birth.

Toxic Chemicals and Particles

In addition to nicotine, secondhand vape aerosol contains harmful substances such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and various heavy metals like lead, nickel, and chromium. These chemicals can be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they may cause irritation or more serious health problems over time.

The ultrafine particles present in e-cigarette aerosols are another cause for concern. These particles can be easily inhaled into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Ultrafine particles have been linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Long-term exposure to these particles, especially in poorly ventilated areas, could increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses.

More research is needed to fully understand the scope of these risks, there’s enough evidence to suggest that secondhand exposure to vape aerosol is not harmless.

How to Avoid Secondhand Vape Exposure?

Avoid Vaping Indoors

One of the most effective ways to minimize secondhand vape exposure is by avoiding vaping indoors. Just like smoking, vaping should be done in well-ventilated outdoor areas where the aerosol can disperse more quickly. By vaping outdoors, you reduce the concentration of harmful particles and chemicals that others may inhale.

This is particularly important in enclosed spaces like cars, where even a small amount of aerosol can linger in the air for extended periods. Avoid vaping in cars, especially when children or other vulnerable individuals are present.

Create Designated Vaping Areas

If you live with someone who vapes, consider setting up designated areas for vaping, such as a balcony or patio. By limiting vaping to specific areas, you can reduce the spread of secondhand aerosol throughout your home or workplace. Make sure these areas are well-ventilated and far away from communal spaces where others might spend time.

Use Air Purifiers

Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can help reduce the amount of particulate matter in the air, including the ultrafine particles found in e-cigarette aerosol. While air purifiers alone may not eliminate all the risks of secondhand vape exposure, they can help improve air quality, especially in indoor environments where vaping occurs.

Raise Awareness

Public awareness about the risks of secondhand vape exposure is still relatively low compared to secondhand smoke. Educating others, especially vapers, about the potential harm they could be causing to those around them is crucial. Encourage friends, family members, and colleagues who vape to be mindful of where they vape and to consider the impact it could have on others.

Workplaces, schools, and public spaces can also play a role in reducing secondhand exposure by implementing clear policies regarding vaping. Just as smoking bans became more common in recent decades, similar rules for vaping may help protect non-vapers from unwanted exposure.

Stay Informed

As the research into secondhand vape exposure continues to evolve, staying informed about new findings is essential. Public health organizations, government agencies, and medical professionals regularly release updated information on the risks associated with vaping and secondhand exposure. By keeping up to date with this research, you can make informed decisions about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from potential harm.

FAQs

How long does secondhand vape stay in the air?

The duration that secondhand vape aerosol stays in the air depends on several factors, including ventilation, the size of the space, and how much vaping is taking place. In a well-ventilated area, the aerosol may dissipate within minutes. However, in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, it can linger in the air for much longer. Additionally, the tiny particles in vape aerosol can settle on surfaces, where they may remain for hours or even days, posing a risk of thirdhand exposure.

How bad is secondhand vape smoke?

Secondhand vape aerosol may not be as harmful as secondhand cigarette smoke, but it is not completely safe. The chemicals in vape aerosol, including nicotine, heavy metals, and other harmful substances, can still pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals. While the risks may be lower than those associated with secondhand cigarette smoke, people should still be cautious about exposing others to secondhand vape.

Does vape smoke stay on clothes?

Yes, vape aerosol can cling to clothes and other fabrics, just like traditional cigarette smoke. This residue is known as thirdhand exposure, and it can contain harmful chemicals like nicotine and heavy metals. People who come into contact with these fabrics may be exposed to the chemicals, especially if they touch the fabric and then their face or mouth. Washing clothes can help remove the residue, but some chemicals may still remain even after cleaning.

Is thirdhand vape harmful?

Thirdhand vape exposure refers to the chemicals from vape aerosol that settle on surfaces, clothing, and other objects. While research into thirdhand vape exposure is still limited, early studies suggest that it may be harmful, particularly for young children who may touch contaminated surfaces and then put their hands in their mouths. The chemicals in thirdhand vape residue can include nicotine, heavy metals, and other harmful substances that may pose health risks over time.