New research warns vaping far less safe than claimed

A major review of global research is raising fresh concerns for people who vape, their families, and parents of children using e-cigarettes.

A meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies published between 2017 and 2025 has found growing evidence that nicotine-based e-cigarettes are likely to cause oral and lung cancers.

The research, led by a University of Sydney expert and referenced in recent health reporting, is now adding weight to warnings from local specialists who say vaping is far from harmless.

‘Much closer to tobacco than advertised’

Pulmonologist Professor Richard van Zyl-Smit said the findings are consistent with what doctors have been seeing.

“It’s a nicely put together study… a very nice review of all the reasons why we ever thought that vaping wasn’t going to be 100% safe,” he said.

He warned that the long-standing claim that vaping is ‘95% safer’ than smoking is no longer credible.

“The pendulum… is starting to move a whole lot closer to tobacco than I think the marketers would like.”

He added that the idea of vaping as a ‘super safe’ alternative is now being challenged by growing scientific evidence.

Cancer risk and unknown long-term harm

Smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, with about 90% of cases linked to tobacco.

But experts say vaping is not risk-free.

“You are reducing some risks on the one side, and you are increasing risks on the other side,” Van Zyl-Smit explained.

He said some studies suggest certain risks, including cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes, may be similar between vaping and smoking.

At the same time, vaping may introduce new health problems not seen with traditional cigarettes.

“There’s absolutely no… good reason to start vaping if you don’t [smoke],” he said.

Addiction risk is higher, especially for young people

For parents and families, one of the biggest concerns is addiction.

Van Zyl-Smit said newer vaping products may be more addictive than cigarettes, particularly among teenagers.

“The data… in adolescence is very clear, it is significantly higher.”

He explained that nicotine in e-cigarettes is designed to be absorbed faster, reaching the brain more quickly.

“They change the formulation… so it gets in faster and gets into the brain quicker.”

This increases the risk of dependency, especially in young users.

“The addictive risk probably trumps any long-term cancer and lung disease issues in adolescents, he said.

Not safe, and not easily comparable

Experts say comparing vaping directly to smoking is difficult.

While vaping may reduce some traditional smoking risks, it introduces others, making the overall health impact complex.

Van Zyl-Smit estimated vaping could be ‘maybe 40% to 50% safer’ than smoking, but stressed this is not scientifically precise.

“That’s a complete thumb suck… I wouldn’t stand next to a judge and swear on that.”

Heated tobacco also carries cancer risk

The discussion also touched on heated tobacco products, which differ from vaping.

Unlike e-cigarettes, heated tobacco still contains tobacco and therefore carries cancer risk.

“All of the cancer risks that occur with tobacco occur with heated tobacco,” Van Zyl-Smit said.

More on vaping: what EWN has been reporting

Smoke or vapour? An expert clarifies what vape users are inhaling into their bodies

Scientists warn that heated vape liquids form harmful substances, challenging the idea that vaping is just ‘harmless vapour’.

Teen vaping crisis: ‘1 vape equals 20 cigarettes’ – experts warn of severe health risks

Around 25% of Grade 12 learners are vaping, with experts warning of high nicotine exposure and serious lung and brain risks.

Vaping hits alarming levels among South African teens – new study of fee-paying schools

Research shows nearly 17% of pupils vape, with many showing signs of addiction and frequent use.

PIC: Westerford High School recovers 50 vapes from blocked drain

Schools are battling vaping on campus, with devices hidden, discarded and used during class.

Researchers call on the government to enact the Tobacco Products & Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill

Experts say stronger laws are needed as high levels of teen vaping and dependency emerge.

WHO supports South Africa’s proposed tobacco and vaping legislation

The WHO backs tighter controls, warning of the major health and economic burden of nicotine use.

Puff puff prison? How vaping could land you behind bars under new laws

Proposed laws could treat vaping like smoking, with strict limits and possible penalties.

For more information, listen to van Zyl–Smit on CapeTalk using the audio player below: