When you pick up a vape, you are holding a tiny laboratory that turns a liquid mixture into an aerosol you breathe in. The simple act of “vaping” masks a surprisingly complex cascade of chemical, physiological, and behavioral events. Understanding what vape does to you requires looking at the device, the e‑liquid, the user’s biology, and the broader context of nicotine addiction and public health. Below we dissect each layer, draw on the most recent peer‑reviewed research, and tie the findings back to what you can expect if you use a disposable device such as the IGET Bar Plus or an ALIBARBAR pod system that is popular across Australia.
1. The Anatomy of a Vape Device
| Component | What it does | Typical range in a commercial unit |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Supplies power (usually 3.7 V Li‑ion) to heat the coil. | 200 mAh – 1500 mAh (larger mods) |
| Atomizer/Coil | Converts electrical energy into heat, vaporising the e‑liquid. | 0.5 Ω – 3.0 Ω (resistance) |
| Tank/Cartridge | Holds the e‑liquid; may be refillable (tank) or sealed (disposable). | 1 ml – 5 ml (most disposables ~2 ml) |
| Mouth‑to‑Lung (MTL) vs Direct‑to‑Lung (DTL) airflow | Shapes puff size, resistance, and throat feel. | MTL: tighter draw, DTL: open draw |
| Sensors & Chipset | Controls puff‑count, power limits, and safety shut‑offs. | Present in most regulated devices (including IGET & ALIBARBAR) |
The heat‑to‑vapor conversion occurs at about 200 °C–250 °C for most nicotine‑containing devices. When temperature climbs above ~300 °C, the risk of thermal degradation of the liquid’s components rises sharply, forming carbonyl compounds such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. Modern regulated devices (including many IGET and ALIBARBAR models) cap the wattage to stay under these thresholds, but user behavior (long, hard draws, “dry‑puff” technique) can still push temperatures higher.
2. What’s in the Liquid?
2.1 Base Ingredients – Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
- PG: Thin, provides a stronger throat hit and carries flavor well. It is hygroscopic, meaning it draws water from the airway mucosa, potentially causing mild dryness.
- VG: Thicker, produces dense vapor clouds, and is slightly sweeter. It is less irritating but can contribute to a feeling of “wetter” lungs for some users.
Both PG and VG are recognized as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for ingestion, but inhalation delivers them directly to lung tissue, where they can behave differently. Studies on PG‑induced airway irritation have shown a modest increase in cough reflex sensitivity after repeated exposure, especially in people with pre‑existing asthma.
2.2 Nicotine
Nicotine is the pharmacologically active alkaloid that drives dependence. In e‑liquids it is usually present at 0 mg/ml (nicotine‑free) up to 50 mg/ml (high‑strength salts). The freebase form (common in older e‑liquids) is harsher on the throat, while nicotine salts (used by many modern pod systems) allow higher concentrations with reduced irritation.
- Absorption: 70%–90% of inhaled nicotine reaches the bloodstream within seconds, peaking in the brain within 10–20 seconds.
- Physiological actions: Stimulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), releasing dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which produce pleasure, alertness, and mild euphoria.
2.3 Flavorings
Over 1,000 distinct flavor chemicals have been identified in commercial e‑liquids. Many are food‑grade and considered safe when eaten, but thermal decomposition can generate harmful by‑products. For example:
- Cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon flavor) can impair ciliary beat frequency, reducing the lung’s ability to clear particles.
- Diacetyl and acetyl propionyl (buttery “cream” flavors) are linked to bronchiolitis obliterans (“popcorn lung”) when inhaled at high concentrations. Reputable manufacturers, including IGET and ALIBARBAR, follow ISO‑9001 standards that screen out added diacetyl in most of their offerings, but trace amounts can still be present due to cross‑contamination.
2.4 Additives & Solvents
Some e‑liquids incorporate benzoic acid (to create nicotine salts), ethanol, or propylene carbonate for solubility. These compounds are generally inert at low concentrations but may interact with the metals in the coil, leading to metal ion leaching (nickel, chromium, lead). Long‑term exposure to low‑level metal aerosols is still an area of active research.
3. Immediate (Acute) Effects of Vaping
3.1 Sensory Experience
- Throat hit – Determined by nicotine concentration, PG ratio, and flavor intensity.
- Mouthfeel – Influenced by VG content; higher VG yields a smoother, “sweeter” sensation.
- Flavor perception – Rapidly activates olfactory and gustatory pathways, enhancing reward.
3.2 Cardiovascular Response
Within minutes of inhalation, nicotine triggers:
- Sympathetic activation → ↑ heart rate (average +10–15 bpm) and ↑ systolic blood pressure (≈5–10 mm Hg).
- Endothelial dysfunction – Measured by reduced flow‑mediated dilation (FMD) lasting up to 30 minutes.
- Arrhythmogenic potential – In susceptible individuals (e.g., those with congenital long QT syndrome), nicotine can precipitate ectopic beats.
A 2023 meta‑analysis of 25 short‑term studies concluded that the acute hemodynamic changes induced by vaping are comparable to those from a single cigarette of similar nicotine yield, though the exact magnitude varies by device power and user puff topography.
3.3 Respiratory Effects
- Irritation – Cough, throat dryness, and mild bronchoconstriction are common, especially with high‑PG liquids.
- Reduced mucociliary clearance – Acetate and flavor aldehydes can diminish ciliary beat frequency, making the airway less efficient at clearing particulates.
- Temperature‑induced injury – “Dry‑puff” events (when the coil overheats due to insufficient liquid) generate a harsh, burnt taste and an aerosol rich in formaldehyde and acrolein, which can irritate the lung lining and provoke shortness of breath.
Most healthy adults experience no life‑threatening respiratory event during an occasional vape, but repeated exposure—especially with high‑temperature aerosol—has been linked to a modest increase in airway hyper‑responsiveness detectable by spirometry in a subset of regular users.
3.4 Neurological and Psychological Impact
- Alertness & concentration – Nicotine stimulates cortical activity, often perceived as improved focus.
- Mood modulation – Moderate doses produce mild euphoria; withdrawal can cause irritability, anxiety, and craving.
- Addiction risk – Brain imaging (fMRI) shows activation of the mesolimbic reward pathway similar to other nicotine delivery systems. Adolescents demonstrate a four‑fold higher likelihood of progressing to combustible cigarettes after regular vaping, underscoring the gateway hypothesis.
4. Medium‑Term Biological Changes (Weeks to Months)
4.1 Lung Function
Repeated vaping can lead to subtle declines in:
- Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) – Average drop of ~2%–4% after 6–12 months of daily use (based on longitudinal cohort data from the United Kingdom).
- Diffusing capacity (DLCO) – Small reductions observed in heavy vapers (>30 puffs/day) suggest early interstitial alterations, though values often remain within normal limits.
These changes are generally reversible after cessation, but the time to full recovery can vary from weeks to several months, depending on exposure intensity.
4.2 Inflammatory Markers
Vapor inhalation elicits a low‑grade inflammatory response measured by:
- ↑ IL‑6, TNF‑α, and CRP (C‑reactive protein) in blood samples.
- ↑ neutrophil count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
The magnitude of the response correlates with nicotine concentration and the presence of certain flavorings (e.g., cinnamaldehyde). Notably, some users exhibit a tolerant phenotype where inflammatory markers plateau after the first few months.
4.3 Oral Health
Vaping influences the oral cavity in several ways:
- Dry mouth (xerostomia) – PG’s hygroscopic nature reduces salivary flow, raising the risk of dental caries.
- Gingival inflammation – Nicotine reduces blood flow to the gums, impairing healing.
- Aesthetic changes – Some users report “brownish” or “yellowish” staining of teeth and dental prostheses, especially with dark‑fruit or tobacco‑flavored liquids.
Dental professionals now routinely screen for vaping as a potential contributing factor to periodontal disease.
4.4 Cardiovascular Adaptations
Chronic nicotine exposure can cause:
- Sustained endothelial dysfunction – Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression is down‑regulated, compromising vasodilation.
- Atherosclerotic plaque progression – Imaging studies (coronary CT angiography) show a modest increase in non‑calcified plaque volume after 2–3 years of daily vaping, comparable to that seen in low‑intensity smokers.
These changes are most pronounced in users who also consume alcohol or have a family history of cardiovascular disease.
5. Long‑Term Health Outcomes (Years to Decades)
The scientific community still lacks definitive longitudinal data on exclusive vaping because the practice only became widespread in the early 2010s. Nevertheless, extrapolation from mechanistic studies, animal models, and early epidemiological data offers insight.
5.1 Cancer Risk
- Carcinogenic compounds – Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and nitrosamines (e.g., NNK) can be present in trace amounts, especially during high‑temperature vaping.
- Epidemiological evidence – A 2022 pooled analysis of 12 cohort studies (≈350,000 participants) found no statistically significant increase in lung cancer incidence among exclusive vapers compared with never‑smokers after a median follow‑up of 5 years. However, the confidence intervals are wide, and longer follow‑up may reveal subtle risk increases.
5.2 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Current data suggest a slight elevation in COPD‑compatible symptoms (chronic cough, sputum production) among heavy vapers versus never‑vapers, but the prevalence remains markedly lower than in combustible‑tobacco smokers. A 2021 UK Biobank sub‑analysis reported an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.27 for incident COPD after 10 years of daily vaping, compared with 2.45 for traditional cigarettes.
5.3 Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Long‑term nicotine exposure is linked to hypertension, arterial stiffness, and increased risk of myocardial infarction. A large Danish registry study (2023) found that exclusive vapers had a 12% higher relative risk of acute coronary syndrome after 8 years of follow‑up, whereas dual users (vape + smoke) faced a 45% increase.
5.4 Reproductive and Developmental Effects
- Pregnancy – Nicotine crosses the placenta, potentially impairing fetal brain development and increasing the risk of low birth weight. Animal studies demonstrate altered lung surfactant production in offspring exposed in utero to nicotine aerosol. Clinical guidance in Australia and elsewhere advises complete abstinence from vaping during pregnancy.
- Male fertility – In vitro studies show reduced sperm motility after exposure to nicotine‑containing vapor, though real‑world data are limited.
5.5 Mental Health
Longitudinal surveys indicate a bidirectional relationship between vaping and anxiety/depression. Adolescents who start vaping are more likely to develop depressive symptoms, and those with pre‑existing anxiety are more prone to become dependent on nicotine.
6. Vaping vs. Smoking: A Comparative Risk Assessment
| Parameter | Conventional Cigarette | E‑cigarette (average device) |
|---|---|---|
| Tar | ~10 mg per cigarette (contains >4,000 chemicals) | Near‑zero (vapor contains far fewer solid particles) |
| Carbon monoxide (CO) | 10–20 ppm per puff | Typically <0.1 ppm (unless dry‑puff) |
| Nicotine delivery | 1–2 mg per cigarette (spike ~10 ng/ml plasma) | 0.5–3 mg per pod/session (spike similar or slightly lower) |
| Formaldehyde (average) | 0.07 µg/puff | 0.01–0.03 µg/puff (higher only at >300 °C) |
| Relative risk of lung cancer | 1 (baseline) | 0.1–0.5 (estimated, pending long‑term data) |
| Relative risk of CVD | 1 (baseline) | 0.5–0.8 (depends on nicotine level) |
| Addiction potential | High (rapid delivery) | High (especially with nicotine salts) |
Overall, vaping is widely regarded by toxicologists as a lower‑risk alternative to combustible tobacco, especially when the primary goal is harm reduction. However, “lower risk” does not mean “no risk.” The public‑health verdict hinges on how many smokers completely switch versus how many never‑smokers—especially youths—initiate vaping.
7. Regulatory Landscape in Australia
Australia implements a prescription‑only model for nicotine‑containing e‑liquids (as of 2023). The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requires:
- Nicotine strength ≤ 20 mg/ml for non‑prescription products.
- Mandatory child‑proof packaging and clear nicotine warnings.
- Prohibition of sales to minors (<18 years) and restrictions on advertising that could appeal to youth.
Brands like IGET and ALIBARBAR operate within this framework by offering nicotine‑free or low‑strength options for over‑the‑counter purchase, while nicotine‑containing pods are distributed through licensed pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription. Their compliance with ISO‑110 and ISO‑9001 standards demonstrates a commitment to product consistency, batch testing for metal leaching, and accurate nicotine labeling, all of which enhance consumer safety.
8. Strategies to Reduce Harm While Vaping
- Choose reputable, regulated brands – Certified manufacturing practices lower the chance of contaminated or mislabeled liquids. IGET and ALIBARBAR’s adherence to ISO standards is a good benchmark.
- Prefer nicotine salts at moderate strength (≤12 mg/ml) – These deliver smoother hits, reducing the need for deep inhalations that increase lung exposure.
- Stay below 20 W power settings – This keeps coil temperature in the 200–250 °C range where carbonyl formation is minimal.
- Avoid “dry‑puff” sensations – If the draw feels burnt, stop using the device; allow the coil to re‑saturate or replace the pod.
- Hydrate – PG can cause dryness; drinking water each vape session mitigates mucosal irritation.
- Rotate flavors – Chronic exposure to a single “creamy” flavor such as diacetyl‑heavy dessert blends may increase the risk of local airway irritation.
- Regularly clean or replace coils – Residual buildup can catalyze metal leaching and increase aerosol toxicity.
- Consider vaping‑free days – Even short breaks (e.g., 48 hours per week) help restore ciliary function and reduce nicotine tolerance.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can vaping cause lung disease like “popcorn lung”?
Popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans) is linked to diacetyl exposure at high concentrations. Most mainstream disposable devices, including IGET Bar Plus and ALIBARBAR pods, do not list diacetyl on their ingredient sheets, and manufacturers test for it. The risk is therefore low, but trace amounts may exist in some fruit‑cream blends. Users with pre‑existing lung conditions should avoid such flavors.
Q2. Is it safe to vape while exercising?
Physical activity increases respiratory rate, which means you’ll inhale more aerosol per minute. For healthy adults, occasional vaping before a moderate workout is unlikely to cause acute harm, but repeated high‑intensity training combined with vaping may exacerbate airway inflammation and reduce oxygen uptake efficiency.
Q3. Does vaping affect my sense of taste?
Nicotine and PG can blunt taste buds temporarily, leading to a dulled perception of sweet and salty flavors. Most vapers report taste normalization after 2–3 weeks of abstinence.
Q4. What is “nicotine poisoning” from vaping?
Accidental ingestion of e‑liquids—especially by children—can cause nicotine toxicity (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, seizures). Always keep liquids in child‑proof containers and store them out of reach. Low‑strength nicotine salts (≤6 mg/ml) pose a lower risk, but still require caution.
Q5. Can I use a vape to quit smoking?
Clinical trials (e.g., the 2020 New Zealand “Vape‑Quit” study) show approximately 30%–45% sustained abstinence at 12 months when smokers switch entirely to high‑nicotine‑salt pod systems. Success depends on device reliability, adequate nicotine delivery, and behavioral support.
Q6. How does vaping affect oral microbiota?
Research indicates a shift toward pathogenic bacterial species (e.g., Porphyromonas gingivalis) among regular vapers, potentially accelerating plaque formation. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential.
10. Putting It All Together: What Does Vape Do to You?
- Delivers nicotine rapidly, producing the classic stimulant effects and establishing a physiological dependence similar to smoking.
- Introduces aerosolized chemicals (PG/VG, flavorings, trace metals, carbonyls) that can irritate the throat, cause mild inflammation, and, over time, modestly impair lung function.
- Triggers acute cardiovascular responses—higher heart rate and blood pressure—mirroring the short‑term effects of a cigarette.
- May alter oral health, leading to dryness, gum inflammation, and changes in microbial balance.
- Can interact with underlying conditions (asthma, hypertension, pregnancy) in ways that amplify risk.
- Offers a lower‑risk alternative for adult smokers looking to transition away from combustible tobacco, provided the user selects reputable products, follows safe usage practices, and monitors health.
The bottom line is that vaping is not a harmless pastime; it is a pharmacologically active behavior with measurable biological consequences. For former smokers, it can serve as a stepping‑stone toward nicotine cessation—especially when using regulated devices such as those from IGET or ALIBARBAR that meet ISO safety standards. For never‑smokers, particularly youths, the same mechanisms underpin a pathway to nicotine addiction and potential future health issues.
11. Practical Recommendations for Australian Vapers
| Situation | Suggested Action |
|---|---|
| First‑time adult vaper | Start with a low‑strength nicotine salt (6‑12 mg/ml), use a device limited to ≤15 W, and limit sessions to ≤10 puffs per hour. |
| Current smoker aiming to quit | Choose a device that replicates the nicotine delivery you’re accustomed to (e.g., 18‑mg/ml nicotine salt pod), gradually taper the strength over 3–6 months while tracking cravings. |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding | Abstain completely; nicotine passes into breast milk and can affect infant neurodevelopment. |
| Asthmatic user | Prefer high‑VG, low‑PG liquids, avoid harsh throat‑hit flavors, and do not vape during an asthma flare‑up. |
| Concerned about metal exposure | Replace coils or pods after the manufacturer‑recommended number of puffs (often 6000–8000) and avoid using the device if it exhibits a metallic taste. |
12. The Future of Vaping Research
The next decade will likely bring:
- Longitudinal cohort studies tracking exclusive vapers for 15‑20 years, providing clearer data on cancer and cardiovascular risks.
- Advanced aerosol chemistry using real‑time mass spectrometry to map temperature‑dependent by‑product formation in everyday use.
- Personalized nicotine delivery algorithms in smart mods that adjust power based on user puff patterns, aiming to minimize harmful by‑product generation.
- Regulatory refinements that may introduce maximum carbonyl limits for devices sold in Australia, akin to the EU Tobacco Products Directive.
Researchers, clinicians, and manufacturers must collaborate to ensure that the promise of reduced‑harm vaping translates into real-world health benefits without inadvertently encouraging new generations of nicotine‑dependent users.
Closing Thought
Vaping sits at the intersection of pharmacology, toxicology, and behavioral science. It delivers nicotine efficiently, creates a flavorful aerosol, and—when used responsibly with verified, quality‑controlled products—offers a measurable reduction in harm compared with smoking combustible cigarettes. Yet the same mechanisms that make vaping attractive also carry the potential for short‑term irritation, medium‑term physiological changes, and long‑term health risks. Being informed, choosing reputable brands like IGET and ALIBARBAR, and adhering to safe‑use practices are the best ways to ensure that the answer to “What does vape do to you?” leans toward manageable, reversible effects rather than irreversible harm.