For years, vaping has been marketed as a “safer” alternative to traditional smoking, but emerging research is challenging this assumption. A groundbreaking study has revealed that even vaping devices labeled as nicotine-free can have harmful effects on your body. While many people believe that removing nicotine eliminates the dangers associated with vaping, the truth is far more concerning. Regardless of whether a vape contains nicotine or not, the consequences for your vascular system and overall health are undeniable.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and published in Medical and Life Sciences, focused on how smoking and vaping affect the human vascular system. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the vascular system—also known as the circulatory system—consists of veins, arteries, and capillaries that transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body while removing waste products. This intricate network plays a vital role in maintaining good health, and any disruption can have serious consequences.
The research team selected 31 healthy participants aged 21 to 49, including both smokers and vapers. Each participant underwent two MRI scans—one before using their respective devices and another after. During the study, participants used three different products: nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, nicotine-free e-cigarettes, and traditional tobacco cigarettes. The scans analyzed the rate of blood flow and the oxygen saturation levels in the participants’ circulatory systems. These findings were compared to baseline scans from a control group of 10 non-smokers and non-vapers aged 21 to 33.
The results were startling. Across all three groups—regardless of whether nicotine was present—there was a significant reduction in blood flow velocity in the superficial femoral artery, a critical artery responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to the lower body. Among the three groups, those using nicotine-containing e-cigarettes experienced the most severe loss in vascular function. However, the damage caused by nicotine-free e-cigarettes wasn’t far behind, demonstrating that the absence of nicotine does not equate to safety.
More alarmingly, participants using both nicotine and nicotine-free devices experienced a notable drop in venous oxygen saturation levels. This means that the heart’s ability to deliver oxygen-rich blood to tissues was impaired, regardless of nicotine content. Essentially, vaping—regardless of the presence of nicotine—disrupts oxygen delivery, leaving tissues undernourished and potentially causing long-term damage.
Dr. Marianna Nabbout, the study’s lead researcher, highlighted the importance of these findings, stating: “This study highlights the acute effects smoking and vaping can have on a multitude of vascular beds in the human body. If acute e-cigarette use can have an immediate effect on the arteries, long-term usage may induce vascular disease.” Her conclusion is clear: whether your vaping device contains nicotine or not, the damage to your body’s vascular system is real, and the safest option is to quit altogether.
But the dangers of vaping extend beyond the vascular system. Research has linked vaping to a range of other health concerns. Chemicals commonly found in e-cigarette vapor, including formaldehyde and acrolein, can irritate and damage lung tissue over time. Additionally, heavy metals such as lead, nickel, and tin can leach from vaping devices and accumulate in the body. These metals have been associated with neurological disorders and chronic respiratory conditions. In severe cases, vaping has been linked to EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury), a potentially fatal condition that can result in long-term lung damage or death.
The good news is that the human body has an incredible capacity for healing. Quitting vaping, even after prolonged use, can lead to significant health improvements. Within just a few days of quitting, blood circulation begins to improve, and oxygen delivery to tissues returns to normal. Over the next few weeks and months, lung function gradually repairs itself, and symptoms such as shortness of breath and persistent coughing may decrease. While nicotine withdrawal can be challenging—often causing irritability, fatigue, and cravings—the long-term rewards are well worth the effort. Increased energy levels, better cardiovascular health, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases are just a few of the benefits of quitting vaping.
At the end of the day, the scientific evidence is clear: vaping is not a harmless habit, even if your device is nicotine-free. The immediate effects on blood flow and oxygen delivery are measurable and significant, and the long-term consequences could include lung damage, cardiovascular disease, and neurological complications.
However, there is hope. Quitting vaping offers an immediate pathway to better health and reduced risk of disease. Every day without vaping allows your body to heal and restore vital functions. While breaking the habit may be difficult, the rewards—better lung capacity, healthier arteries, and improved energy—are undeniable.
The findings from this study serve as a wake-up call: vaping, even without nicotine, is far from risk-free. The best decision you can make for your health is to quit vaping entirely. Whether you’ve been vaping for weeks, months, or years, it’s never too late to prioritize your health and protect your future. Your body will thank you for it, and the benefits of quitting will become apparent with every passing day.
