I decided it’s high time to find out what Chat GTP thinks about vaping. Here’s an article it found to the question : Is Vaping Around Children and Pets Harmful?
As someone who’s got various pets including dogs, lizards and snakes, I’ve not once thought that vaping could be harmful for them- obviously I’ve always exercised caution and kept an eye on their reactions to something new, however vaping as a potential harm hasn’t ever crossed my mind..
Vaping has grown rapidly in popularity across the UK and Europe, often promoted as a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking. While this may hold some truth for smokers looking to quit, that doesn’t mean vaping is safe for everyone—especially not for children and pets.
Health authorities across the UK and Europe are increasingly sounding the alarm about the risks of passive exposure to e-cigarette vapour. Here’s what current research and expert guidance tell us.
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The Impact of Vaping Around Children
The UK’s NHS, Public Health England (now part of the UK Health Security Agency), and organisations like the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health all agree: children should not be exposed to e-cigarette vapour.
Although vaping is considered significantly less harmful than smoking for adult users, especially those trying to quit tobacco, that doesn’t mean it’s harmless—particularly when it comes to secondhand exposure.
What’s in the Vapour?
European and UK-based studies have shown that e-cigarette aerosol may contain:
• Nicotine
• Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin (which can irritate the lungs)
• Fine particulate matter
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Flavouring chemicals, some of which have been linked to lung inflammation
While these substances are present in lower concentrations than in cigarette smoke, they are not benign, especially in enclosed spaces.
Risks for Children
Children breathe more rapidly and have developing lungs, making them more vulnerable to airborne chemicals. UK-based paediatricians have raised concerns that passive exposure to vape aerosol could contribute to:
• Respiratory issues such as wheezing, coughing, or asthma
• Middle ear infections
• Slower lung development
• Nicotine sensitisation, which may increase the likelihood of future tobacco use
In 2023, the European Respiratory Society published guidance warning that e-cigarette use in indoor spaces can negatively affect children’s health—even if the exposure is brief.
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What About Pets?
When considering the risks of vaping indoors, pets are often overlooked. Yet many veterinary organisations across Europe are urging pet owners to be cautious.
Dogs
Dogs can experience health issues similar to children when exposed to vape aerosol, including:
• Respiratory irritation
• Lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhoea if they ingest nicotine-containing liquids
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) warns that even a small amount of ingested e-liquid can be fatal. Dogs are curious and often lick or chew unfamiliar objects, including vape pens, cartridges, or spillages.
Cats
Cats may be even more at risk due to their grooming habits. When vape residue settles on their fur, they can ingest harmful substances while cleaning themselves.
In particular:
• Nicotine ingestion can cause vomiting, tremors, and seizures
• Certain vape flavourings, such as menthol or cinnamon, may be toxic
• Essential oils (used in some vapes) are especially dangerous to cats and can cause liver damage or failure
Veterinary professionals in the UK and EU recommend not vaping in the same room as your cat and ensuring all vaping equipment is securely stored.
Reptiles
Reptiles—like snakes, lizards, and geckos—have slower metabolisms but highly sensitive respiratory systems. European herpetologists and exotic animal vets caution that even small amounts of airborne chemicals can lead to:
• Respiratory distress
• Stress-related illness
• Changes in skin health or appetite
Because reptiles rely heavily on stable environmental conditions, vapour and scented aerosols can seriously disrupt their habitat.
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What UK and EU Experts Recommend
Authorities such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), UK Health Security Agency, and the European Lung Foundation recommend the following when it comes to vaping near vulnerable groups:
1. Do not vape indoors around children or pets.
2. Store vape products securely to prevent accidental ingestion.
3. Avoid vaping in cars, particularly if transporting kids or animals—even with windows open.
4. Practice good hygiene after vaping, including washing hands and changing clothes before cuddling your child or pet.
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Conclusion: Vaping May Be Safer Than Smoking—but Not Safe for All
In the UK and across Europe, public health experts continue to emphasise that vaping is only a harm-reduction tool for adult smokers. It should never be used around children or animals, who can suffer health consequences from both direct exposure and surface contamination.jj
So if you’re a pet owner, a parent, or both, it’s best to keep your vaping habit outside—and far away from sensitive lungs, paws, and tiny hands.
Personally, I’ve never noticed a change in my animals behaviour when I vape indoors. What are your thoughts on this AI provided research?
Ps. Picture from my personal collection of zoo animals 
