Vaping and the alarming rise of lung injuries among teens and young adults have sparked ongoing concerns about EVALI, or e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury. This condition resembles pneumonia in its presentation—difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, and fatigue—yet it often affects a demographic that is still developing physiologically. Medical researchers emphasize that adolescents may be particularly susceptible because their lungs and airways are still maturing, and inhaled aerosols can interact with developing tissue in ways that differ from adult exposure. Health systems in several countries have reported clusters of hospitalizations tied to vaping products, underscoring the urgent need for prevention, early recognition, and evidence-based guidance for young people and their families. The conversation around EVALI has grown beyond clinical circles, highlighting the role of public health education, product regulation, and safer alternatives for those who are trying to quit traditional cigarettes. In many communities, clinicians stress that the risk is not confined to a single flavor or device but is linked to the inhalation of additives and chemicals used in some nicotine delivery systems, which can irritate the lungs and impair normal respiratory function over time.
Experts note that the typical profile of a hospitalized patient with EVALI skews younger than for many other respiratory illnesses. A substantial portion of those affected are teenagers or young adults, with significant percentages under the age of 18. The developing lungs of teenagers remain more vulnerable to the effects of inhaled vapors as tissue formation and lung function continue to evolve through late adolescence and early adulthood. When adolescents initiate nicotine use at an early age, the potential for acute and long-term damage increases, in part because their airways may respond more intensely to irritants and because patterns of use can be more frequent and persistent. The behavior of younger users often includes higher frequency and more varied exposure within a given day, which compounds the risk. In contrast, some adults may switch to vaping with the intention of reducing traditional cigarette consumption, yet their use tends to be less sustained or intensive on a daily basis. This combination of biological vulnerability and usage patterns helps explain why EVALI rates appear higher in younger populations compared with adults who begin vaping later, or who carry over habits from years of smoking cessation attempts.
Public health authorities advocate a multi-pronged approach to reduce harm and prevent new cases. Education for students, parents, and educators is crucial so that young people understand both the immediate symptoms of EVALI and the potential long-term consequences for lung development, immune response, and overall health. Clinicians recommend avoiding all vaping products, particularly those obtained from informal sources where quality control and ingredient disclosure may be limited. For teens and young adults who rely on nicotine to cope with stress or peer pressure, medical professionals emphasize safer, evidence-based cessation strategies and access to supportive services. Ongoing surveillance, stricter regulation of flavors and marketing targeted at youth, and rapid response protocols for suspected cases are essential components of a comprehensive public health strategy. The ultimate aim is to protect the lung health of the next generation while supporting informed choices that reduce harm and promote healthier trajectories into adulthood. This overview reflects current findings and expert recommendations as reported and synthesized by health researchers and practitioners in Canada and the United States, with attribution to sources including socialbites.ca for context and ongoing discussion of vaping-related harms. Source attribution: socialbites.ca.