A rather disturbing simulation has revealed what actually happens to our bodies when we vape—a habit that’s become increasingly common these days.
Despite their sweet, bubblegum-like scents and stylish packaging, vapes can pose serious health risks.
While millions have turned to vaping as a supposed “healthier” alternative to traditional cigarettes, recent studies and eye-opening simulations are challenging that belief—revealing that e-cigarettes may be more dangerous than many realize.
A viral animation from The Infographics Show starkly illustrates the harmful impact vaping can have on your lungs.
The video shows how chemicals in e-cigarettes can lead to mucus buildup and damage to the alveoli—the tiny air sacs in the lungs vital for oxygen exchange.
One of the most alarming substances featured is diacetyl—a compound commonly found in some food products, but certainly not something you’d want entering your lungs.
According to the simulation, inhaling diacetyl can lead to long-term respiratory damage, closely resembling the harm once only linked to smoking traditional cigarettes.
So, how did vaping become so widespread?
Vape devices usually consist of a few main parts: a mouthpiece, a battery, a microprocessor, a heating coil, and a cartridge filled with e-liquid.
When the device is switched on, the heating element vaporizes the e-liquid, creating a mist that’s inhaled—much like cigarette smoke, but often with a smoother, flavored twist.
And that flavoring is a major concern. With sweet scents and sleek, colorful designs, these devices have become highly attractive to younger users. What began as an alternative to smoking has now evolved into a full-blown social trend among teens and college students.
According to Truth Initiative, a 2023 study found that 4.6% of middle school students and 10% of high school students—roughly 2.13 million young people—had used e-cigarettes within the past 30 days.
Even more concerning, 11.4% of middle schoolers and nearly 30% of high schoolers admitted to daily use.
A staggering 89.4% of these young users reported using flavored products like Elf Bars, Lost Mary, and Geek Vape—now familiar names in school restrooms and college dorms across the country.
Though the flavors may hide the harshness, the risks remain very real.
Experts caution that regularly inhaling substances like diacetyl and other chemicals found in vapes can have a “paralyzing effect” on the lung cilia—tiny hair-like structures responsible for clearing your airways.
The simulation indicates that once these cilia are damaged, it can take weeks for them to heal, during which time the lungs are more susceptible to infections and long-term conditions like cancer.
The bottom line? That small, trendy device might look harmless, but it comes with significant health risks.
