In recent years, the use of electronic cigarettes, commonly referred to as e-cigarettes or vaping devices, has become increasingly widespread across both public and professional settings. Initially marketed as a less harmful alternative to combustible tobacco products, vaping quickly gained popularity among adults and adolescents alike. However, growing scientific evidence and regulatory scrutiny have revealed a far more complex picture. Vaping poses not only health risks for users and bystanders but also introduces new challenges for workplace safety management and environmental compliance.
At HETI, we believe that a clear understanding of these emerging risks is essential for organizations striving to maintain safe indoor environments, minimize operational liabilities, and demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. This edition of HETI Horizons takes a closer look at the multifaceted impact of vaping in the workplace and what employers need to know to stay ahead of evolving standards.
A Health Hazard in Disguise
Despite the public perception of vaping as a tool for harm reduction compared to typical cigarettes, studies have repeatedly shown that e-cigarette aerosols are far from harmless. One common myth is that vaping emits only “water vapor.” In truth, research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that the aerosol contains a mix of nicotine, ultrafine particles, heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, and volatile organic compounds including formaldehyde and acrolein.
These airborne contaminants are not limited to the person vaping. The aerosol can linger in indoor environments and expose nearby employees, especially in confined or poorly ventilated areas. In 2016, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a pivotal report affirming that e-cigarette aerosol “is not harmless water vapor,” and warning that secondhand exposure could adversely affect people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions and pose risks to pregnant individuals.
Since that time, further studies have linked prolonged exposure to vape aerosols with airway inflammation, diminished lung capacity, and increased cardiovascular stress – even among individuals who have never used vaping products. In response, more than a dozen states, including California, Colorado, New York, and Washington, have amended their Clean Indoor Air Acts to prohibit vaping in workplaces, healthcare facilities, schools, and other public buildings.
Workplace Policy Gaps and Enforcement Challenges
For many employers, vaping presents a unique policy enforcement challenge. While most organizations already prohibit smoking in the workplace, their policies may not specifically address e-cigarettes. This ambiguity often results in inconsistent application, misunderstandings among employees, and unnecessary workplace tension. Some employees may believe that vaping is permitted indoors due to the absence of smoke, while others express concern over air quality or health effects.
The lack of clearly defined expectations around vaping can also create legal and regulatory vulnerabilities. Complaints may arise from employees with health sensitivities, particularly if exposure occurs in areas where ventilation is inadequate. Without explicit language in workplace policies, employers may struggle to enforce vaping restrictions or apply disciplinary procedures consistently.
To address this issue, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has begun referencing vaping during health and safety consultations. Although no federal rule currently bans vaping in private workplaces, OSHA encourages employers to treat e-cigarette use with the same level of caution as smoking when designing occupational health programs. Labor unions in education, aviation, and healthcare sectors are increasingly negotiating to include vaping restrictions alongside traditional tobacco prohibitions in workplace agreements.
Safety Risks Beyond the Aerosol
In addition to the health effects of aerosol exposure, e-cigarettes introduce physical safety hazards that are often overlooked. The lithium-ion batteries used in these devices can malfunction – especially when damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to heat. Over the past five years, the U.S. Fire Administration has recorded more than 300 incidents of e-cigarette battery failures, some of which caused injuries, workplace evacuations, or equipment damage. [See the April 2025 HETI Horizons for a discussion of lithium-ion battery hazards.]
Many of these events occurred when employees left devices charging unattended at desks, in lockers, or near flammable materials. As a preventive measure, several facilities have started to restrict the use and charging of unapproved personal electronic devices on site.
Another concern is the chemical exposure risk from nicotine itself. Spills or leaks from damaged vape cartridges can lead to dermal absorption or accidental ingestion. In high concentrations, nicotine is a hazardous substance and can cause symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, elevated heart rate, and in rare cases, poisoning. In safety-sensitive workplaces, even mild symptoms of exposure can present risks for employees operating vehicles, machinery, or precision tools.
Environmental Impact of Vape Waste
The rapid proliferation of disposable e-cigarettes, often brightly packaged and flavored to appeal to younger users, has contributed to an underreported but growing environmental issue. These products typically combine plastic casings, metal coils, and embedded lithium-ion batteries – making them difficult to recycle and environmentally hazardous if discarded improperly.
Traces of nicotine and other chemicals in used vape cartridges classify them, in many jurisdictions, as hazardous waste. Improper disposal into regular trash streams can result in soil or water contamination, posing risks to sanitation workers and local ecosystems.
In 2025, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control issued guidance recognizing used vape pens and cartridges as “universal waste” – a regulatory term under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for commonly generated hazardous items that require specific handling. Several city sanitation departments across the country have since noted a spike in vape-related litter near schools, parks, storm drains, and commercial buildings.
Organizations that allow vaping on their premises without proper waste disposal measures may inadvertently contribute to this growing problem, or worse, face fines for violating environmental regulations.
Action Steps for Responsible Employers
Given the expanding awareness of vaping-related hazards, employers should act now to assess and update their workplace practices. The first step is to review existing tobacco and smoke-free policies and ensure they clearly prohibit or regulate vaping and e-cigarette use. Policy language should explicitly define the devices and apply restrictions consistently across all indoor areas.
Employers should also update hazard communication programs and employee health trainings to include information on the risks associated with e-cigarette aerosol and proper disposal of vaping devices. Many employees may not be aware that vaping can pose risks to others or that used vape pens should not be discarded in regular trash bins.
Facility managers should evaluate whether their fire prevention protocols address the charging and storage of personal electronic devices and whether designated outdoor vaping areas (if permitted) are clearly marked and monitored. Containers for vape waste should be clearly labeled and handled in accordance with local waste regulations.
Finally, employers must stay informed about evolving laws. In July 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized updates to its Premarket Tobacco Product Applications rule, requiring manufacturers to disclose full ingredient lists and conduct emissions testing for e-cigarette products. These new standards are expected to influence future occupational exposure guidelines and could impact regulatory reviews – including OSHA inspections and workers’ compensation claims.
HETI: Partnering for a Healthier, Safer Workplace
At HETI, we are committed to helping our clients navigate the evolving challenges of workplace health, safety, and environmental stewardship. Our services include air quality assessments, workplace policy audits, employee training programs, and custom waste management strategies tailored to a company’s operational needs.
As vaping becomes increasingly prevalent, and increasingly regulated, the approach to managing it reflects more than just compliance. It exhibits a commitment to protecting employees, maintaining a safe and healthy environment, and upholding public trust. Proactively addressing this issue today helps prevent incidents, reduce legal risk, and foster a culture of accountability and care.
References- U.S. Surgeon General. (2016). E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Health Effects of E-cigarette Use. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/ basic_information/e-cigarettes U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024). Managing Vape Waste as Universal Waste. Retrieved from https:// www.epa.gov/hwgenerators/universal-waste U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2025). Premarket Tobacco Product Applications Final Rule. Retrieved from https:// www.fda.gov Truth Initiative. (2025). Secondhand Aerosol and Workplace Exposure Risks. Retrieved from https://truthinitiative.org/research resources/harmful-effects-tobacco/secondhand-smoke-and-secondhand-aerosol
To schedule a consultation or learn more about HETI’s services, please contact us.
Michael Henderson, PhD, CIH Director, Industrial Hygiene
Phone: 978.263.4044 development@hetiservices.com