Information  /  Second-hand vaping

Vaping does not produce tobacco smoke, so the established harms of second-hand cigarette smoke do not apply in the same way. The current evidence suggests the risk to bystanders from vape aerosol is low, but that does not mean every setting should ignore it.

Last reviewed: 25th September 2026

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ASH says current evidence suggests short-term exposure to vape aerosol is not harmful to health, although regular indoor exposure over long periods could carry some low-level risk. Any potential risk is likely to be significantly lower than the proven harms from second-hand tobacco smoke.

A person who vapes exhales an aerosol rather than tobacco smoke. It can contain small amounts of nicotine and other substances from the e-liquid and heating process.

Because there is no burning tobacco, bystanders are not exposed to the same mixture of tar, carbon monoxide and combustion products found in cigarette smoke.

The NHS advises avoiding vaping around babies and children where possible as a precaution. Young children may also copy adult behaviour.

That precaution should not be used to suggest that vaping around someone is equivalent to smoking around them. If an adult smokes, switching completely away from cigarettes remains an important health gain.

Organisations can set rules about where vaping is allowed. Schools should follow their own vaping policy and safeguarding procedures. In homes or shared spaces, it is reasonable to avoid vaping close to other people who do not want to be exposed, particularly babies, children and people who find aerosols irritating.

The priority is to remove cigarette smoke exposure. Smoking outside reduces exposure indoors, but stopping smoking altogether gives the greatest protection. If vaping helps an adult switch completely away from cigarettes, that is substantially less harmful than continuing to smoke.