While reasons for modifications vary, modifications are common across age groups
By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter
TUESDAY, July 29, 2025 (HealthDay News) — More than eight in 10 electronic cigarette users modify their device, often in potentially dangerous ways, according to a study published online July 9 in Scientific Reports.
Lucy Popova, Ph.D., from Georgia State University in Atlanta, and colleagues evaluated the prevalence of various electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) modifications among U.S. ENDS users. The analysis included responses to a national survey from U.S. youth (13 to 17 years old; 553 respondents), young adults (18 to 29 years old; 634 respondents), and older adults (30 years and older; 760 respondents) who reported past 30-day ENDS use in 2021.
The researchers found that in each age group, a large majority had engaged in at least one ENDS modification (youth, 84.3 percent; young adults, 84.1 percent; and older adults, 76.9 percent). Modifications to e-liquid (68.1, 61.2, and 48.7 percent, respectively) and coils (63.7, 61.4, and 57.2 percent, respectively) were the most common. Some variance in modification prevalence was seen by age group and race/ethnicity. Cited reasons for modifications included accessing or enhancing the flavor of the aerosol. For young adults and older adults, cited reasons included making the device last longer and saving money.
“Many users don’t realize the potential dangers of modifying e-cigarettes,” Popova said in a statement. “When people adjust the voltage of a device or add substances to the liquid, they can increase their exposure to harmful chemicals like heavy metals.”
One author has disclosed ties to the World Health Organization, Tobacco Free Initiative, and Pfizer.
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