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| Don't let the sweet flavours mask the chemical reality. |
A 19-year-old university student stood at my pharmacy counter last week, hands shaking slightly as he asked for something to help with the constant cravings and headaches. He had started vaping “just to look cool with friends” and was now using a flavoured pod device multiple times an hour. He didn’t realise how quickly the nicotine salts had hooked him.
As a licensed pharmacist in Nigeria, I’m seeing more of these cases every month. Vapes are sold openly in markets and online with almost no age checks, colourful packaging, and sweet flavours that appeal to young people. Many believe vaping is harmless or a safe alternative to smoking, but the risks are real and sometimes more deceptive.
Here’s what you really need to know about the dangers of vaping.
Important disclaimer:
I’m a licensed pharmacist in Nigeria sharing insights from my professional knowledge and personal experience. This post is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with nicotine addiction or experiencing breathing difficulties, chest pain, or other symptoms after vaping, seek medical help immediately.
Table of Contents
Why Vaping Is Not as Safe as It Seems
Vaping delivers nicotine and other chemicals directly into the lungs in aerosol form. While it may produce fewer tar and carbon monoxide levels than traditional cigarettes, it is far from harmless. The long-term effects are still emerging, but cases of EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) have already shown how dangerous unregulated vaping can be.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaping has been linked to serious lung injury outbreaks. In Nigeria, the lack of strict regulation means many cheap devices and pods contain unknown concentrations of nicotine and flavourings, making the risks even harder to predict.
The Hidden Addiction Risk of Nicotine Salts
Nicotine salts allow much higher concentrations of nicotine to be inhaled with less throat irritation. This makes them particularly addictive, especially for young people who may start with sweet or fruity flavours.
Many students I speak with find it harder to quit vaping than they expected. Withdrawal symptoms like irritability, headaches, anxiety, and strong cravings can appear quickly. Unlike traditional cigarettes, the discreet design of vapes makes it easy to use them frequently throughout the day, accelerating dependence.
Lung Damage and “Popcorn Lung”
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| It’s not just "water vapour"—it’s a chemical aerosol of nicotine and metals. |
Some flavourings, particularly diacetyl (used in buttery or creamy flavours), have been linked to bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly called “popcorn lung.” This condition causes permanent scarring of the small airways.
Even without diacetyl, the aerosol from vaping can cause inflammation and irritation in the lungs. In our environment, where air quality is already challenged by dust and smoke during Harmattan, adding vaping can put extra strain on the respiratory system.
Heavy Metals and Other Toxins
Cheap vaping devices often have heating coils that can leach heavy metals like lead, nickel, and chromium into the vapour. These metals accumulate in the body over time and are linked to various health concerns.
Additionally, the solvents used (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin) can break down into formaldehyde and other harmful compounds when heated.
Impact on Fertility and Young People
Nicotine, regardless of delivery method, can affect reproductive health. In men, it has been associated with reduced sperm count and motility. In women, it can disrupt hormone balance and ovulation.
For young people whose brains are still developing, nicotine exposure can affect attention, learning, and mood regulation. Starting vaping early increases the chance of long-term nicotine dependence. The World Health Organization warns that nicotine use in adolescents can harm brain development well into the mid-20s.
Reader’s FAQ
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| Quitting is possible with the right clinical support and a plan. |
1. Is vaping really less harmful than smoking cigarettes?
It may expose users to fewer tar and combustion by-products, but it still delivers high levels of nicotine and other chemicals. The long-term risks are not fully known, and many devices in Nigeria are unregulated.
2. Can flavoured pods be safer?
No. Many sweet or fruity flavours contain chemicals linked to lung irritation. The appealing taste also makes them more attractive to younger users.
3. How addictive are nicotine salts compared to regular cigarettes?
Nicotine salts can be more addictive because they allow smoother inhalation of higher nicotine doses, making it easier to use frequently without discomfort.
4. What should I do if I want to quit vaping?
Gradual reduction, support from family or a counsellor, and sometimes nicotine replacement therapy (under medical guidance) can help. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for a personalised plan.
5. Are there any safe alternatives?
The safest option is to avoid nicotine altogether. If you are trying to quit smoking, evidence-based methods and professional support work better than switching to vaping.
What to Do Next: Your Simple Starting Plan
- Be honest with yourself or a loved one about how often you vape and why.
- Remove devices and pods from easy reach to reduce impulse use.
- Replace the habit with healthier alternatives like drinking water, short walks, or deep breathing exercises.
- For more on managing stress and cravings that often drive nicotine use, read Stress and Resilience: 10 Tips for Staying Strong in the Face of Stress.
Vaping may look modern and harmless, but the nicotine, chemicals, and heavy metals it delivers can cause real harm — especially to young lungs and developing brains.
I quit smoking four years ago and it's the best so far. It wasn't easy at first with the withdrawals but I feel better now and I've gained healthy weight 💪
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