Health311Search all NYC.gov websites
Print icon Print
Drop the Vape

E-cigarettes (Vapes)

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes) and vaping devices come in many forms (PDF), but they all heat liquids that are called e-liquids into aerosol. E-liquids usually contain nicotine, flavors, and other chemicals.

Vape companies often use attractive packaging, flavors, and advertising campaigns; this may make e-cigarettes seem harmless, but they are not.

E-liquids usually contain high levels of nicotine, which is addictive. Some popular disposable devices now have as much nicotine as 15 to 30 or more packs of cigarettes (300 to 600 or more cigarettes).

Nicotine can make it harder for young people to learn and can affect their mental health. Using e-cigarettes (vaping) can expose people to cancer-causing chemicals (such as formaldehyde or benzene), heavy metals, and other harmful chemicals. Vaping can also cause lung injuries.

Get Help for E-Cigarette Use

If you use e-cigarettes, tobacco treatment (such as nicotine patches and lozenges, as well as coaching) can help you prevent uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms so you can:

  • Cut back
  • Quit
  • Avoid vaping when you want to (such as when you are at work or with family), even if you are not ready to quit

If you are trying to quit, tobacco treatment can double your chances of success. NYC residents of all ages have options for free or low-cost tobacco treatment support:

Resources for Teens

Resources for All Ages

Prevention Resources

The popularity of e-cigarettes among youth and young adults is concerning. E-cigarettes can be especially harmful for young people because nicotine affects them in different ways than adults. Youth who use e-cigarettes are also more likely to try cigarettes.

The evidence for e-cigarettes as a tool to help adults quit smoking is limited. To date, no e-cigarette has been approved by the FDA as a tobacco treatment device.

Adults who work with young people, parents and families can play an important role in supporting the young people in their lives.

Connect with other parents or families who are working to protect kids from vaping, and share the information and materials on this page with the young people in your life.

Additional Resources

More Information