Ryan Zavodnick | November 30, 2025 | Personal Injury
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that vape use among American adults increased significantly from 2019 to 2023. A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) also indicates that over 20% of all high school seniors in the country vape. Many users do not fully understand the complete range of vape side effects, and the rising popularity of these devices could cause many users to develop serious health conditions. Aside from the health consequences of vaping, these devices may also malfunction and explode, causing severe injuries. Those who feel that they may have been harmed by vape side effects or defects may be able to take legal action. Consider expanding upon this conversation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Philadelphia. Injured victims in Philadelphia and surrounding counties can contact Zavodnick & Lasky at (215) 774-6467.
Common Vape Side Effects
The most common vape side effects are felt by users immediately or shortly after inhaling. These include irritation in the eyes, mouth, and throat. Users may also cough persistently after using vape pens. Some experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Nausea and headaches are other common vape side effects, and users often feel quite sick after vaping. Some feel dizzy. That being said, the most serious vape side effects often materialize much later. They include nicotine addiction, lung injury, and even cancer. These initial vape side effects may seem minor, but they may signify much more serious issues in the future.
Vape Pens Often Contain Nicotine
Many people believe that vaping is not the same as smoking. While the mechanics of vaping may be distinct from a burning cigarette, the underlying chemicals are identical. The CDC states that “most e-cigarettes contain nicotine,” which is the same substance found in cigarettes. Nicotine is also one of the most addictive substances in the world, and it is dangerous for many segments of the population. The CDC notes that this includes pregnant women, teens, and developing fetuses. Nicotine addiction is incredibly difficult to overcome, and studies indicate that this substance can be just as addictive as harder drugs like heroin or cocaine.
Studies have shown that nicotine affects brain development in young people. The brain continues to develop until the age of 25, and nicotine exposure can be detrimental during this period of brain growth. Specifically, nicotine can harm areas of the brain responsible for attention control, learning, mood regulation, and impulsivity. In addition, nicotine can damage genetic material. Nicotine may also represent a “gateway drug” that leads to other addictive behaviors, including cigarette smoking. The CDC states that teens who vape are more likely to try cigarettes in the future. Teens also experience a heightened risk of drug addiction after trying vapes.
Does Vaping Cause Cancer?
Vaping can cause cancer. The National Institutes of Health states that researchers have detected carcinogens in e-cigarette smoke, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, nitrosamines, acrolein, and benzene. Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead may also be present in e-cigarette smoke. Other potential carcinogens include small particles inhaled by users. Because of the relatively recent emergence of vaping, these cancer risks are poorly understood by doctors and researchers.
One must also remember that vaping is a diverse industry with countless types of vape pens and devices available to the public. Users may also “load” these devices with an equally diverse selection of vape juices and similar products. As a result, it is virtually impossible to list all of the potential carcinogens that might be present in these products. That said, it is safe to say that one of the most serious vape side effects is lung cancer.
The Dangers of Exploding Vape Pens
According to the National Institutes of Health, thousands of people have been injured by exploding vape pens. Lithium-ion batteries are mostly responsible for these incidents, as they can trigger chain reactions due to short-circuits. Manufacturing defects and battery charging issues often cause these explosions, which send shrapnel into the air. This shrapnel can penetrate soft tissue, causing users to suffer catastrophic injuries. Because victims often hold their vape pens close to their faces, these explosions can also be highly disfiguring.
The resulting explosions and fires can also ignite clothing, causing additional burn injuries that may be disfiguring. The NIH states that from 2015 to 2017, emergency departments across the United States saw 2,035 injuries involving exploding vape pens. These injuries could potentially lead to product liability lawsuits, and victims may wish to discuss this option with Zavodnick & Lasky.
Can Vape Injuries and Illnesses Lead to Lawsuits?
Vape side effects and injuries have already led to numerous lawsuits in the United States. Various regulators and government lawmakers have become concerned about the prevalence of vape pens, especially among the younger population. A particularly serious concern is the marketing of vaping to small children, often using colorful packaging and flavors like cotton candy. Many manufacturers and distributors continue to flaunt new regulations, clearly recognizing the financial rewards of marketing these harmful products to small children.
But while government regulations and crackdowns have helped to reduce vape use among high school students, financial penalties may not be enough. Civil lawsuits could ensure greater levels of accountability, and several class action lawsuits are already underway. Some of the most notable names in e-cigarette manufacturing are facing these class action lawsuits, and victims in Philadelphia could qualify to participate.
Discuss Vape Side Effects With Zavodnick & Lasky
Those who believe that they may have experienced harmful vape side effects should seek medical treatment immediately. While it may be possible to take legal action against vape manufacturers in some cases, it always makes sense to prioritize health. Once a victim learns more about their specific injuries or health conditions, it may be easier to pursue a personal injury lawsuit in Philadelphia. Victims may also have the opportunity to join existing class action lawsuits against some of the most prominent vape manufacturers in the world. Consider expanding on this conversation by contacting Zavodnick & Lasky at (215) 774-6467. We serve clients in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties.
