Secondhand vape plumes could form lung damaging radicals American Chemical Society Vaping refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling aerosol, often called vapor, produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device. These devices heat a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and Secondhand Vape Exposure: Effects, Who's at Risk, and More 5 Vaping Facts You Need to Know Johns Hopkins Medicine Secondhand Smoke and Secondhand Vaping: Both Bad for Kids University Hospitals