A review of popular vaping misconceptions: redefining ENDS safety and usage risks

The widespread use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among youth and adults has become a significant public health concern. Approximately 19.6% of middle and high school students in the United States have reported using ENDS containing nicotine. Factors contributing to their popularity include social and recreational appeal, sensory satisfaction, ease of accessibility, and aggressive marketing strategies including influencer-driven promotions and youth-targeted campaigns through social media platforms. The variety of available flavors and modifiable features of ENDS devices further enhances their acceptance, often overshadowing their potential health risks. Despite their perceived advantages, misconceptions about ENDS persist, including beliefs that emissions are harmless, vaping is safer than smoking, and secondhand exposure is inconsequential. These misunderstandings contribute to the normalization of ENDS use, hindering public awareness of the associated health and environmental hazards. This manuscript addresses seven prevalent misconceptions about ENDS ranging from their safety during pregnancy to their environmental impact, highlighting the need for comprehensive education and community engagement to mitigate the risks of ENDS usage and promote informed decision-making. In the following section of the Special Issue Science Education and Research on Vaping and Interventions for Community Engagement (SERVICE), we will explore how these misconceptions not only encourage the societal acceptance and use of ENDS but also contribute to potential health risks.