Vaping among teenagers has become a growing concern, according to health professionals at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Estelamari Rodriguez, M.D., a thoracic oncologist and mother, highlighted that while vaping is widely seen as a harmless trend among teens, scientific evidence suggests otherwise.
A recent review conducted by the center examined 77 studies on e-cigarette use. The research was led by medical student Kyle Edwards, president of the University of Miami’s chapter of the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative (ALCSI), along with Dr. Tagrhid Asfar from the Miller School of Medicine. Their findings indicate that vaping poses significant public health risks, especially for young people.
Many teenagers perceive vaping as safer than traditional cigarettes because e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco and are marketed as smoking cessation tools. However, Dr. Rodriguez cautioned against this belief: “The chemicals in vape cartridges can cause serious harm—not just to the lungs, but to the heart, brain and mouth.”
She added that evidence links vaping to cardiovascular issues such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as seizures. Oral health concerns include dry mouth, gum irritation, and an elevated risk of oral cancers. Additionally, vape waste contributes hazardous materials to soil and groundwater.
The research also explored reasons behind teen vaping habits. Many young people use e-cigarettes to cope with anxiety or stress or due to peer pressure. In some communities where vape shops are more common and marketing is more aggressive—particularly in lower-income areas—vaping rates are higher.
Dr. Rodriguez described how discreet usage makes vaping accessible in places like school bathrooms: “School bathrooms become unofficial vape lounges.” Unlike cigarettes that require outdoor use and burn out quickly, vape cartridges last longer and can be used indoors without drawing attention.
Nicotine addiction remains a central issue. “Nicotine addiction is real, and it can start with just a few puffs,” Dr. Rodriguez stated. She noted that nicotine alters brain function affecting concentration, sleep, and emotional regulation.
There are also concerns about secondhand vapor exposure and accidental poisoning among children under five years old who may find vape devices at home. The CDC has reported an increase in e-cigarette exposure cases involving young children. Proper storage and disposal of these products are recommended by agencies like the FDA to prevent environmental contamination.
To address these challenges, Dr. Rodriguez advised parents to initiate open conversations with their teens about vaping risks and motivations behind its use: “Ask your teen what they know about vaping.” She encouraged modeling healthy behaviors by quitting smoking or vaping if applicable and advocating for improved screening methods during medical visits.
“At Sylvester, we’re working to change that,” she said regarding efforts to train clinicians on asking specifically about e-cigarette use alongside traditional smoking questions.
Dr. Rodriguez concluded: “As parents, educators, and health care providers, we have a responsibility to protect our teens from the hidden dangers of e-cigarettes.”
