A groundbreaking study has been conducted on the long-term impacts of vaping on the human body, revealing some unsettling findings. Originally designed to aid smokers in quitting, vapes have attracted a broad range of users, including those who have never smoked traditional cigarettes, largely due to their appealing designs and flavors. Many users argue that vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking.
The research, led by Manchester Metropolitan University, is the first controlled study to examine the prolonged effects of vaping compared to cigarette smoking. Although the study is scheduled to conclude soon, Dr. Maxime Boidin has already shared some initial results.
Conducted at the university’s Institute of Sport, the study involved participants aged 18 to 45 who shared similar fitness levels. Researchers examined the elasticity of participants’ blood vessels and the speed of blood flow to their brains. Before undergoing tests, participants were required to abstain from vaping, smoking, and exercise for 12 hours and could only drink water.
The study found notable results concerning Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), which measures the artery’s response to blood flow using ultrasound technology.
Both smokers and vapers showed similar FMD results, indicating damaged artery walls. Further testing of blood flow also demonstrated poor results for both groups. Dr. Boidin suggests that nicotine, present in both vapes and cigarettes, may be responsible for these findings.
Additionally, vapes were noted to contain metals and chemicals such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine. These chemical flavorings might cause inflammation and oxidative stress, negatively affecting the arteries.
Mayo Clinic outlines the potential risks: “Once the inner wall of an artery is damaged, blood cells and other substances may collect at the injury site. These substances build up in the inner lining of the artery. Over time, fats, cholesterol and other substances also collect on and in the walls of the heart arteries. This buildup is called plaque. Plaque can cause the arteries to narrow. Narrowed arteries can block blood flow. The plaque also can burst, leading to a blood clot.”
Dr. Boidin warns that impaired blood flow can heighten the risk of cognitive issues, including dementia, and anticipates that the study will show decreased fitness levels in young vapers. Initially, Dr. Boidin believed that “vaping was more beneficial than smoking,” but the study indicates that the risks of vaping are akin to those of smoking. She notes that smokers make a conscious decision to light each cigarette, whereas vapers can continuously use their devices without a clear stopping point, often indoors, leading to a potentially harmful habit.
Dr. Boidin recommends that vapes should only serve as a temporary tool for smoking cessation and be prescribed by a healthcare professional. However, Dr. Marina Murphy, a scientific spokesperson for the UK Vaping Industry Association, disputes the study’s conclusions. She notes that “millions” have safely used vaping products for years, and other research indicates that “vapes are unlikely to exceed 5 percent of the health risks associated with cigarettes.”