So, you finally made the switch. After years of puffing on traditional cigarettes—or maybe just months of experimenting—you decided to quit smoking and take up vaping instead. Maybe you were trying to kick a dangerous habit. Maybe it was the fruity flavors or the sleek design of modern vapes that tempted you. Or maybe, like many others, you believed what countless advertisements and influencers seemed to suggest: that vaping, especially without nicotine, was a cleaner, safer, and smarter alternative to tobacco.
But now, new research is flipping that narrative on its head.
A growing body of scientific evidence is suggesting that even nicotine-free vaping—yes, the kind you thought was “harmless”—may be putting your health at serious risk. A recently published 2024 study has sent shockwaves through the medical community, raising alarm bells about the immediate and potentially long-term dangers of vaping on vascular health. And no, this isn’t just about people who vape with nicotine. Even nicotine-free users are showing measurable negative effects on their cardiovascular systems.
But before diving into the disturbing details of this study, let’s rewind for a second and explore how we got here.
Vaping: The “Safe” Alternative?
Vaping first exploded onto the mainstream scene as a supposed solution for smokers looking to quit. Marketed as the healthier cousin of the cigarette, vapes promised no tar, no smoke, and fewer toxic chemicals. Instead of combustion, the devices use a battery-powered coil to heat an e-liquid—a mix of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and (optionally) nicotine—into an aerosol, which is then inhaled.
The appeal was obvious. For former smokers, it offered a familiar ritual with fewer perceived risks. For non-smokers, especially teens and young adults, it was a trendy new hobby that tasted like candy and smelled like air freshener. Over time, vaping took on a life of its own, with entire social subcultures forming around different devices, juice flavors, and even vape tricks.
But the underlying assumption that vaping is harmless—or at least far less harmful—has become increasingly shaky.
The Hidden Dangers in Every Puff
Let’s start with the basics: the liquid in your vape.
Even nicotine-free vape juice still contains propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin—two compounds commonly used in food production and considered safe to ingest. But when heated to high temperatures and inhaled directly into the lungs, they behave very differently. Studies have shown that this aerosolization process can produce formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and other harmful aldehydes that irritate the lungs and contribute to cellular damage over time.
And then there are the flavorings.
Whether it’s mango, crème brûlée, blue raspberry, or menthol, those delicious flavors come at a cost. Chemical additives used for flavor have been linked to a number of respiratory and inflammatory issues. One notorious example is diacetyl, a compound once used in butter-flavored popcorn, which was linked to a severe lung disease now referred to as popcorn lung. Though many vape manufacturers have phased out diacetyl, other flavoring agents like benzaldehyde (used in cherry flavoring) and cinnamaldehyde (used in cinnamon flavors) continue to raise red flags for their toxic effects on lung tissue.
Vapes also rely on metal heating coils, which can release trace amounts of nickel, lead, and tin into the aerosol you’re inhaling. These heavy metals accumulate in the lungs and bloodstream and have been tied to serious health risks ranging from lung disease to nervous system disorders.
And now, as we’re learning, it’s not just your lungs that are at risk—it’s your heart and blood vessels, too.
The 2024 Study That Changed Everything
A groundbreaking study released in early 2024 aimed to compare the effects of traditional cigarette smoke, nicotine-containing vape aerosols, and nicotine-free vape aerosols on vascular health. The researchers observed three separate groups—each composed of otherwise healthy adults—and measured their blood vessel function before and after using their respective products.
The results were alarming.
All three groups—yes, including the nicotine-free vapers—showed immediate declines in vascular function after just one session of use. The vessels became less elastic, and the blood flow was noticeably reduced. This kind of vascular impairment, when repeated over time, can contribute to hypertension, atherosclerosis, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Dr. Marianna Nabbout, one of the study’s lead authors, commented, “We were surprised to see such a strong and immediate effect from just one exposure. Even without nicotine, the other chemicals involved in vaping appear to significantly impair blood vessel function.”
In simpler terms: Your body’s arteries and veins—which are responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to your organs—become less efficient after vaping. This isn’t just about long-term consequences. The harm is immediate, and it stacks up with every puff.
Vaping: A Gateway, Not an Exit?
The myth that vaping is a harmless alternative has also led many non-smokers—particularly teens and young adults—to take it up recreationally. According to a 2023 report from the CDC, over 2 million middle and high school students in the U.S. reported using e-cigarettes, with more than 80% of them using flavored varieties.
Dr. Michael Blaha, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins, warns that vaping has become a gateway habit, not just for nicotine addiction but also for reintroducing users to traditional tobacco products later on. “It’s one thing for a smoker to switch to vaping in a sincere effort to quit,” he said. “But it’s deeply troubling that so many young people are starting their nicotine journey through vaping.”
What This Means for You
So what does all this mean for the average vaper—especially those who switched with the best intentions?
If you’re using nicotine-free vape juice thinking it’s harmless, it’s time to reassess. The reality is that vaping still involves inhaling aerosolized chemicals, many of which are not meant to be in your lungs, let alone your bloodstream. It’s becoming increasingly clear that nicotine is not the only villain in this story. The entire vaping process—from the heating coil to the flavorings to the vapor itself—can pose real health threats.
The vascular system is foundational to your overall well-being. Damage to it doesn’t just mean a higher risk of heart disease. It can also affect brain function, kidney health, sexual performance, and more.
And while quitting is never easy, it’s worth asking: is it really worth the risk?
The Bottom Line
You quit smoking for a reason. You wanted to breathe easier, live longer, and take control of your health. But if you’ve turned to vaping—especially under the impression that nicotine-free means risk-free—science is urging you to think again.
The studies are piling up. The doctors are speaking out. And now, it’s up to you to take the next step.
Whether you’ve been vaping for months or years, there’s no shame in reevaluating your choices. Talk to your doctor. Look into support groups or resources for quitting. And most importantly, spread the word. If this new information surprised you, chances are it will surprise others, too.
Your future self—and your heart—might just thank you for it.
