Medical professionals across India have raised concerns over the increasing use of vapes and new-age nicotine delivery devices among young people. The warnings were issued in support of the ongoing efforts by Mothers Against Vaping, a collective working to increase awareness about the health implications of vaping and seeking to curb its spread.
Dr. K. K. Handa, Chairman, ENT, Head and Neck Surgery at Medanta, addressed prevailing misconceptions, stating, “The common myth that vaping is safer than smoking is totally incorrect. Vaping has health implications, including issues like coughing, dry throat, shortness of breath, or headaches. More alarmingly, it can affect the heart, raising blood pressure, increasing heart rate, and even leading to a heart attack.”
He added, “Vaping can damage lungs after prolonged use since vapes contain nicotine, which has a serious addictive potential. Over time vape addiction can cause severe and serious mental issues like depression and anxiety. There is also a physical safety concern, as the devices used for vaping can sometimes catch fire. So, vaping is not safe at all.”
Mothers Against Vaping cited a Johns Hopkins Medicine study from April 2025 that analysed health data from nearly 250,000 individuals over four years. The study linked exclusive use of e-cigarettes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and high blood pressure.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also urged countries to implement stronger safeguards to prevent children from becoming addicted to nicotine through vaping and other electronic nicotine delivery systems.
Addressing the issue, Dr. Harish Bhatia, Director & Head of Respiratory Medicine at MGS Super Speciality Hospital, Punjabi Bagh, said, “Are your lungs ready for the match of life posed by vapes, e-cigarettes, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), Heat-Not-Burn (HNB) devices and other Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs)? All of these directly damage the lungs. The symptoms of these impacts are poor stamina, weakened immunity, repeated lung infections, and future breathing issues. Lungs of teens need protection, not pollution from vapes. And any teen that is vaping needs immediate course correction. Only with good lungs will there be the beginning of Viksit Bharat.”
Dr. Rajesh Gupta, Director of Pulmonology at Fortis Hospital, pointed to the social factors driving use among teenagers. “Adolescents often start vaping socially at parties or under peer pressure, believing it is harmless or even better than smoking. But this is a myth, and even occasional vaping exposes the lungs to harmful chemicals, which irritate and inflame their delicate tissues, often leading to serious problems. In children whose lungs are still developing, this damage can be very long-lasting. And this damage does not stop at the lungs. Nicotine in the e-cigarettes is highly addictive and affects the brain, altering attention, memory, learning, and emotional regulation.”
“What begins as just trying it or social vaping can quickly spiral into regular addictive use, resulting in lifelong health consequences. As adults, parents, and educators, we must speak openly with children about the risks and act early. We should not assume that it’s just a phase because every casual use is a potential gateway to long-term harm. So, say no to vaping, not just daily, not even occasionally, because when it comes to the lungs and brain of our children, there is no such thing as a safe level,” he added.
Commenting on preventive approaches, Dr. Bhavna Barmi, Clinical Psychologist and Founder, Happiness Studio, said, “First of all, it is very important to build emotional literacy because vaping is not just peer pressure; it’s also an emotional escape. When we teach our kids to name their feelings through journaling, mood charts, and open reflections, they will not need to numb them. There is also a need for guidance and awareness among parents, as most of them miss warning signs or respond with shame. We should provide workshops and conversation guides that encourage calm, curious dialogue. Punishment shuts kids down; understanding opens them up.”
She added, “We also need to unpack the role of social media. Vaping looks glamorous online, but we should teach who profits and what the hidden agenda is. Teaching media literacy helps kids build critical thinking—their best defence. Replace, don’t just remove, should be our key. Let’s give our children healthy alternatives—connection, creativity, and a sense of identity beyond grades or popularity. When our children are going to feel valued, they will stop escaping. Also, addiction recovery is not about control; it’s about care, building safe, slow, and non-judgmental therapy spaces.”
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