Singer and actress Selena Gomez is warning others about the dangers of vaping after saying years of nicotine use changed her voice. The 34-year-old shared the message in an Instagram Story, saying she has quit vaping but is still dealing with what she believes are lasting effects.
“I’m not going to be able to change my voice,” Gomez said. “I vaped nicotine, a lot.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Their aerosol can also contain harmful substances, including cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
“I am really excited because I stopped and I just hope we can keep it up,” Gomez said. “Everyone knows — that’s somewhat vaped — nicotine is so hard to quit.”
Research shows e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth. Nicotine can harm the developing adolescent brain, including areas responsible for attention, learning, mood and impulse control, according to the CDC.
Her warning comes as federal regulators face scrutiny over the marketing of flavored e-cigarettes. In May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized four e-cigarette products made by Glas Inc., including mango- and blueberry-flavored options and two menthol varieties. It was the agency’s first authorization of non-tobacco, non-menthol flavored e-cigarettes. The decision drew criticism from public health advocates concerned about the potential appeal of flavored products to young people.
“Nicotine is so hard to quit and I think I just wanted to say, if you’re going through it or if you’re even trying to vape, it’s just not worth it. It’s so stupid and it’s changed my voice,” Gomez said.
Gomez has spoken openly about her physical and mental health over the years. She has discussed living with lupus, receiving a kidney transplant and her bipolar disorder diagnosis. In 2022, she released the documentary “Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me,” which followed her life, career and mental health struggles over six years.
