Nicotine Is Dangerous, No Matter How It’s Used

Nicotine pouches and vapes are relatively new tobacco products, but they are simply the latest way to deliver an old, addictive drug — nicotine. No matter how it’s used, nicotine is dangerous to a person’s health, especially for kids and teens, pregnant women or people who don’t already use tobacco. And cigarettes remain the most dangerous tobacco product, causing most tobacco-related deaths in the United States.

What Is Nicotine?

Nicotine is a chemical found in tobacco plants and is one of the most addictive substances on the planet.¹ It changes how the brain works, creating powerful cravings that make quitting difficult. Young people are especially at risk, often showing signs of addiction after using it only a few times.²

The effects of nicotine extend beyond addiction. It impacts multiple systems in the body, contributing to chronic disease and long-term health problems.³

Cigarettes Still Do the Most Damage

Cigarettes are still the number one tobacco killer. In Oklahoma, smoking causes about 7,500 preventable deaths every year and remains the leading cause of preventable death in the state.⁴ Cigarettes and other burned tobacco products are responsible for most tobacco-related disease and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

While newer products like vapes and nicotine pouches may not produce the same smoke chemicals, they are far from harmless and can easily lead to addiction, especially for youth.

No Form of Nicotine Is Safe

There are no safe tobacco or nicotine products. Nicotine pouches, vapes and other smokeless products can deliver as much or even more nicotine than a cigarette.² That makes them very addictive, especially for kids and teens.

Scientists are still uncovering the long-term risks of newer nicotine products — but one thing isn’t up for debate: nicotine is dangerous at any age, especially for youth, young adults and pregnant women. Even without smoke, these products expose users to harmful chemicals that damage health over time.

Impact on Heart and Blood Health

Nicotine affects the cardiovascular system in several harmful ways. It raises blood pressure and heart rate, narrows blood vessels and limits blood flow to the heart. Over time, these effects contribute to hardened arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and heart attack.⁷

What may begin as a racing pulse or lightheadedness during use can eventually develop into long-term cardiovascular damage.

Effects on the Immune System

Nicotine also weakens the body’s immune defenses. Research shows nicotine can suppress immune function, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections, and slowing recovery from illness or injury.

When immune defenses are weakened, common colds or infections may take longer to heal. Chronic inflammation becomes more likely, and individuals with existing conditions such as diabetes or heart disease face more health risks.

Oral Health Problems

Nicotine also harms oral health. It limits blood flow to the gums, leading to inflammation, bleeding and gum disease.⁵ Over time, reduced circulation and chronic irritation can result in tooth loss, infection and painful dental problems — even for people who have never smoked traditional cigarettes.

Nicotine and Pregnancy

Nicotine is especially dangerous during pregnancy. It can harm both the mom-to-be and her baby. Exposure during pregnancy can damage brain and lung development and increase the risk of preterm birth.⁶ 

Harm to the Brain

The human brain continues developing until about age 25. Using nicotine during this critical period can cause lasting changes in brain function. Nicotine exposure affects attention, learning, memory, mood and impulse control. It also alters brain chemistry in ways that increase the likelihood of addiction to other drugs or alcohol later in life.

For youth and young adults, nicotine use can set the stage for lifelong addiction and reduced cognitive performance.

Not for Kids, Teens or People Who Don’t Smoke

For anyone who doesn’t already use tobacco, starting to vape, use pouches or smoke only increases health risks — with no benefit.

Many young people use more than one nicotine product. In fact, most youth who use nicotine pouches also smoke, and nearly half also vape. Instead of replacing cigarettes, these products often add more nicotine on top of existing use.

Poisoning Risks

Nicotine can be toxic at high doses. Even small amounts can poison young children or pets. Calls to poison control centers for nicotine exposures most often involve children under age 5, and in recent years, reports of children accidentally ingesting nicotine from pouches have become more common.⁸

Nicotine products are often small, flavored and brightly packaged, which makes it easy for children to mistake them for candy.

If You Use Nicotine Now, Quitting Is the Most Important Step

If you smoke cigarettes, vape or use nicotine pouches or any other tobacco or nicotine product, the best thing you can do for your health is quit completely. Quitting lowers your risk of early death and many serious diseases — and your body begins to heal within days of your last use.

FDA-approved quit aids such as the nicotine patch, gum or lozenge are designed to help you step down your nicotine use safely and stop for good. These are proven tools that can double your chances of quitting successfully when paired with counseling or support.

Other nicotine products like vapes, pouches and non-medicinal nicotine items are built to keep you addicted — not to help you quit — and they are not safe for kids, teens or people who don’t already use tobacco.

No matter what you use today — cigarettes, vapes, pouches or other nicotine products — it’s never too late to quit. Every day without nicotine and tobacco gives your body a chance to heal, strengthens your heart and lungs, and lowers your risk of disease.

For personalized quit coaching, proven tools and real stories from Oklahomans who’ve quit, visit the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline.

Protecting Oklahomans From Nicotine

Nicotine is a powerful drug that can harm the brain, heart and body — and cigarettes remain the deadliest way to use it. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed, supporting tobacco-free spaces and encouraging proven ways to quit.

Prevention Starts With Conversation.

For help talking with kids or teens about nicotine and tobacco, visit TalkAboutTobacco.com for practical guides and tips that make those talks easier.