Vaping is often promoted as a safer alternative to smoking, but growing research is uncovering serious health risks associated with its use, some of which manifest almost immediately after inhalation.
Despite its reputation as a less harmful substitute for traditional tobacco products, mounting evidence highlights the dangers of vaping. The UK government plans to ban disposable vapes by 2025 to combat their rising popularity among young people, including children as young as 11.
Additionally, a vaping tax is set to more than double the price of refillable vape liquids. These measures are part of broader efforts led by Sir Keir Starmer’s administration to enhance public health, which include a generational smoking ban to discourage tobacco use among younger generations.
New findings released on November 25 by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) reveal that both vaping and smoking have immediate adverse effects on vascular function, even when nicotine is not present.
“Vapes contain significantly fewer chemicals and toxins than are found in tobacco smoke. As a result, e-cigarettes are believed by many to be less harmful than cigarette smoking,” the RNSA says.
The study, led by Dr. Marianne Nabbout from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, calls for a reassessment of vaping’s impact on health.
“E-cigarettes have long been marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco,” said Dr. Nabbout. “However, some harmful elements found in regular cigarettes, such as free radicals, may still be present in e-cigarettes, even without combustion.”
Study Details and Key Findings
The study involved 31 healthy adults aged 21 to 49 who were smokers or vapers. Participants underwent MRI scans before and after using tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes with nicotine, and e-cigarettes without nicotine. A control group of 10 non-smokers and non-vapers, aged 21 to 33, was also included.
To measure vascular function, a cuff was placed on participants’ thighs to restrict blood flow temporarily. Upon release, blood flow velocity in the femoral artery and oxygen saturation in the veins were assessed. Brain blood flow was measured using a specialized MRI technique.
Results showed a significant reduction in blood flow velocity in the superficial femoral artery after inhalation of all products tested. This artery supplies oxygenated blood to the lower body. The decline was most pronounced with nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, followed by those without nicotine. Additionally, decreased venous oxygen saturation was observed in vapers regardless of nicotine presence, indicating reduced oxygen uptake by the lungs after vaping.
A Warning for Public Health
Dr. Nabbout emphasized the importance of these findings for public health. “Vaping is not free of harm,” she stated. “Science must guide the regulation of such products to prioritize public health. Refraining from smoking and vaping is always the best course of action.”
These insights reinforce the growing concerns about vaping’s potential health risks, highlighting the need for informed decisions and stricter regulations.
