The Dangerous Temptation of E-Cigarettes

The Gangwon State Office of Education has issued a warning regarding the dangers of electronic cigarettes, characterizing them as a harmful temptation targeting youth. The announcement, released on April 6, 2026, by the Public Relations Officer Jang Hee-jae, emphasizes the risks associated with vaping and the need for awareness within the educational community.

Health Risks and Chemical Composition

Electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), function by heating a liquid solution into an aerosol. This liquid typically consists of nicotine, flavoring, propylene glycol and various other additives.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are safe. The aerosol produced by these devices contains harmful substances, including cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that vaping can lead to several severe health outcomes, including:

• Lung and other organ damage
• Chronic breathing problems
• Nicotine addiction

The Cancer Institute NSW has further stated that certain dangerous chemicals found in these products have been proven to cause permanent lung damage.

Impact on Adolescent Development

Nicotine poses specific dangers to youth because brain development continues until approximately age 25. The use of nicotine during adolescence can impair the parts of the brain responsible for impulse control, mood, learning, and attention.

The CDC reports that youth can develop signs of nicotine addiction quickly, sometimes even before they begin using the products on a daily basis. Adolescents who use nicotine may face an increased risk of future addiction to other drugs and are more likely to transition to smoking traditional cigarettes.

Safety Concerns and Acute Toxicity

Beyond long-term health effects, acute nicotine exposure presents immediate toxicity risks. Poisoning can occur through the absorption of vaping liquid via the skin or eyes, as well as through breathing or swallowing the liquid.

Data from U.S. Poison control centers indicates that more than 80% of calls related to e-cigarettes involve children under the age of five.

Cardiovascular and Systemic Risks

While e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are often perceived by consumers as safer alternatives to traditional combustible cigarettes, research indicates they still present risks to cardiovascular health. Public health experts emphasize the necessity of implementing protective measures, particularly for young people, to mitigate these risks.

The CDC explicitly advises that e-cigarettes should not be used by youth, young adults, or women who are pregnant, as nicotine is toxic to developing fetuses.