Since 2023, Manchester Metropolitan University has been at the forefront of a groundbreaking study exploring the long-term health risks of vaping. This pioneering research is the first of its kind, and as the study nears its conclusion in March, early findings suggest that vaping could be even more detrimental to health than previously thought, potentially posing more harm than smoking conventional cigarettes.
Dr. Maxime Boidin’s Evolving Views on Vaping
The study is being led by Dr. Maxime Boidin, who initially believed that vaping could serve as a safer alternative to smoking. However, after examining the early results, he has reconsidered his stance. In an interview with The Mirror, Dr. Boidin explained that one of the key differences between vaping and smoking is the continuous nature of vaping. Unlike smokers, who must take breaks between cigarettes, vapers can inhale without pause, often without being fully aware of how much they are consuming. This constant access to e-cigarettes, especially in areas where smoking is banned, allows users to vape much more frequently, which could increase the associated health risks.
The Hidden Dangers of Continuous Vaping
Dr. Boidin’s research has uncovered concerning evidence that suggests regular vaping can have similar, if not worse, health consequences as smoking, particularly when it comes to cardiovascular health. In the study, participants aged 18 to 45 with similar fitness levels underwent stress tests designed to assess the health of their blood vessels. The results revealed alarming signs of arterial damage, with both smokers and vapers showing “flat readings” indicating reduced elasticity in their blood vessels. This damage prevents the arteries from expanding and contracting properly, which could increase the likelihood of serious cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease and stroke, in the future.
The Impact of Vaping on Heart and Lung Health
The research team believes that this damage may be attributed to several factors, particularly the chemicals found in e-cigarette liquids. Vaping liquids often contain nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and metals, along with flavoring agents. Research from prominent health organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association has shown that these substances can cause irritation and inflammation in the airways, which can contribute to chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Extended exposure to nicotine, for example, is known to raise blood pressure and increase the risk of developing heart disease.
The Challenge of Managing Vaping Intake
One of the significant concerns highlighted by Dr. Boidin’s study is the difficulty in monitoring nicotine and chemical consumption while vaping. Unlike cigarettes, where each session is limited by the time it takes to smoke a single cigarette, vapers can continue to inhale as long as they want, making it harder to track how much nicotine and other harmful chemicals they’re ingesting. This ease of consumption could explain why vapers experience similar or even more severe health problems than smokers.
Wider Health Concerns and Growing Warnings
This research is consistent with findings from global health authorities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about the rising popularity of e-cigarettes, especially among younger individuals, given that the long-term effects of vaping are still largely unknown. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted an increase in respiratory illnesses associated with vaping, particularly among those who have been using e-cigarettes for extended periods. There is also growing evidence that the chemicals found in e-cigarette vapor can cause severe lung damage, including conditions like bronchiolitis obliterans, a serious and often irreversible lung disease.
The NHS’s Position: Is Vaping Safer than Smoking?
Despite these concerns, the NHS in the UK continues to maintain that vaping is less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. According to the NHS, while vaping is not without risks, it is considered significantly less dangerous than smoking because it does not involve the combustion of tobacco and the release of many of the harmful chemicals produced by cigarettes. Research from 2022 has supported this position, suggesting that vaping presents only a small fraction of the health risks associated with smoking. In fact, the UK government has even endorsed vaping as a smoking cessation aid for adults trying to quit.
The Need for More Research on Vaping’s Long-Term Effects
\However, Dr. Boidin’s findings indicate that the long-term dangers of vaping could be far more serious than previously acknowledged, particularly since many vapers may not realize how much they are consuming. As the study is ongoing, the final results will provide more definitive answers on whether vaping should be seen as a safer alternative to smoking or if it constitutes a new public health threat.
Conclusion: Caution Is Necessary
While vaping is still widely considered less harmful than smoking, emerging research, including Dr. Boidin’s study, suggests that it is not without its risks. The combination of continuous use, harmful chemicals, and difficulty in monitoring consumption could make vaping just as dangerous as smoking traditional cigarettes, especially when used over long periods. More research is essential to fully understand the long-term effects of vaping. In the meantime, current evidence calls for a cautious approach when it comes to the widespread adoption of e-cigarettes as a safer option for smoking cessation.
