Tobacco and vaping devices contain nicotine, an ingredient that can lead to addiction, which is why so many people who smoke or vape find it difficult to quit. Both tobacco and vaping devices contain other harmful chemicals; burning tobacco can create these chemicals and vaping devices turn chemicals and flavorings into mist that combines with synthetic nicotine. Learn about the health effects of tobacco/nicotine and read the DrugFacts.
Common Names
Tobacco: Chew, Cigs, Dip, Smokes, Snuff; Vapes: e09s, E-vaporizer, E-cigarettes
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Reports of Deaths Related to Vaping
The Food and Drug Administration has alerted the public to thousands of reports of serious lung illnesses associated with vaping, including dozens of deaths. They are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the cause of these illnesses. Many of the suspect products tested by the states or federal health officials have been identified as vaping products containing THC, the main psychotropic ingredient in marijuana. Some of the patients reported a mixture of THC and nicotine; and some reported vaping nicotine alone. While the CDC and FDA continue to investigate possible other contributing substances, CDC has identified a thickening agent—Vitamin E acetate—as a chemical of concern among people with e-cigarette or vaping associated lung injuries. They recommend that people should not use any product containing Vitamin E acetate, or any vaping products containing THC; particularly from informal sources like friends, family, or in-person and online dealers. They also warn against modifying any products purchased in stores, or using any vaping products bought on the street. People, including health professionals, should report any adverse effects of vaping products. The CDC has posted an information page for consumers.
Related Resources
- Electronic Cigarettes Lure Former Smokers Back to Old Habits (NIH Intramural Blog, July 2020)
- Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study (PATH) - See this national longitudinal study of tobacco use and how it affects the health of people in the United States, led by NIDA and the Food and Drug Administration
- Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence Guidelines
- NIDA for Teens Drug Facts on Tobacco, Nicotine, & Vaping (E-Cigarettes) - Offers resources for teens and teen influencers. Get the latest on how drugs affect the brain and body. Features videos, games, blog posts, and more!
- Easy-to-Read Drug Facts on Vaping, Nicotine and Tobacco - Has pictures and videos to help readers understand the text. The website also can read each page out loud.
- NIH Director's Blog on Tobacco
- NIH Director's Blog on Vaping
- Guidance for Parents on Keeping Kids Smoke-Free (Letter from NIDA's former director, Archives)
- Tobacco Regulatory Science Program (TRSP) (NIH/FDA collaboration)
- Preventing and Reducing Teen Tobacco Use (HHS)
- Online Guide to Quit Smoking (NCI - smokefree.gov)
- Results from 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey show dramatic increase in e-cigarette use among youth over past year (FDA, November 2018)
- 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey Infographic (FDA, November 2018)
- The Real Cost (FDA Center for Tobacco Products)
- Be Tobacco Free (HHS)
- Electronic Cigarettes (CDC)
- Notes from the Field: Use of Electronic Cigarettes and Any Tobacco Product Among Middle and High School Students — United States, 2011–2018 (MMRW) (CDC, November 2018)
- Tips From Former Smokers (CDC)
- The Virtual Office of the Surgeon General - Guidelines to Quit Smoking
- Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Centers - NIDA, the National Cancer Institute, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Studying new ways to combat tobacco use
- Guide to Reducing Vaping Among Youth and Young Adults to Vaping (SAMHSA)
Other Resources
- MEDLINEplus Health Information on Drug Abuse (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
- Healthfinder.gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies in human volunteers conducted to answer specific health questions. Learn about the NIH-sponsored clinical trials available to you.
- NIDA Clinical Trial Locator - answer a few simple questions and get contact information for Clinical Trials near you.