Unsettling simulation shows what really happens to your body when you vape

An unsettling stimulation has shown us the effects vaping has on our bodies. Over the past few years, people have been ditching cigarettes and picking up a vape.

But contrary to the marketing surrounding the fruity-smelling, nifty little e-cigs, they still come with the harmful effects that we know their predecessor contained – and possibly even worse.

This may sound absurd to some, as it is typically referred to as a “healthier” alternative to cigarettes, but recently, the effects of vapes have been heavily compared to those of cigs.

Many young people have been ditching cigarettes for vapes. Credit: Ivan Pantic/Getty

Most vapes consist of a mouthpiece, a heating element, a microprocessor, a battery, and a cartridge that contains e-liquid.

When the liquid is pulled out of the cartridge by the heating element, it is vaporized and inhaled in the same way cigarette smoke is, but the main difference is that it’s flavored so that it can actually be a more pleasant experience for younger people.

And this is the main issue at hand.

Due to the attractive and practical nature of the vape – as well as the addictive element of course – it has become a common social activity amongst teenagers and young adults.

According to Truth Initiative, a study in 2023 showed that 4.6% of middle school students and 10% of high school students – which equates to approximately 2.13 million students – reported current (i.e., past 30-day) e-cigarette use.

Among the current e-cigarette users, 11.4% of middle school students and 29.9% of high school students reported daily use.

It was reported that 89.4% used flavored e-cigarettes such as Elf Bars, Lost Mary and/or GeekVape.

Popular brands of vapes including Elf Bars and GeekVape. Credit: Seksan Mongkhonkhamsa/Getty

There are several ingredients in these little machines that can be harmful when inhaled into the lungs including diacetyl. Despite it being common in certain foods, it’s one thing you would want to keep outside of your lungs.

A simulation posted by The Infographics Show on YouTube showed the harmful effects the chemical can have on the condition of your lungs, building up mucus in the area and damaging the alveoli which is a crucial location for oxygen exchange.

Have a look at the full compilation of why vaping is so bad for you below:

Smoking in numerous chemicals alongside this one can have a “paralytic effect” on the lung cilia, which takes weeks to heal, leaving your lungs exposed to infections and other illnesses such as cancer.

So the best thing you can do for your health is ditch the vape and find a different hobby. It might be easier said than done, but it’s definitely possible with the correct help.