New research has found that E-Cigarette vapor has immediate effects on blood vessel function and oxygen levels, even when using e-cigarettes without nicotine. The study, presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago, highlights potential health risks associated with vaping and raises questions about its long-term effects.
E-cigarettes impact on Health & on Vascular Health
The study revealed that vaping, whether with or without nicotine, significantly reduces a metric known as venous oxygen saturation. This suggests that vaping may impair the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen. Researchers emphasized that while further studies are necessary to confirm the findings and explore long-term consequences, the results indicate that regular vaping could lead to vascular diseases over time.
Dr. Marianne Nabbout, the study’s lead author, noted that many people mistakenly believe e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products. However, the study demonstrates that e-cigarette aerosols, despite lacking tobacco smoke’s cancer-causing contaminants, still expose users to harmful chemicals.
Composition of E-Cigarette Vapor
E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to create an inhalable E-Cigarette vapor. This vapor often contains substances like lead, nickel, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, and glycerin. Researchers believe that even without nicotine, these components may be responsible for the adverse health effects observed.
The study examined 31 participants aged 21 to 49, including smokers, vapers, and those who used non-nicotine vapes. A control group of 10 non-smokers and non-vapers was also included. Each participant underwent MRI scans before and after vaping or smoking. Additionally, researchers measured blood flow velocity in the femoral artery and the amount of oxygen in the blood returning to the heart after supplying the body’s tissues.
Impact on Blood Flow and Oxygen Levels
The study found that vaping or smoking caused a significant decrease in resting blood flow velocity in the femoral artery, which supplies oxygenated blood to the lower body. Among the groups studied users of nicotine vapes experienced the most pronounced reduction in vascular function, followed by those who used non-nicotine vapes.
Good vascular function is essential for efficient blood flow, which ensures oxygen and nutrients are delivered throughout the body while waste is removed. Poor vascular health can lead to issues such as blood clots, high blood pressure, and stroke. Additionally, all vapers, regardless of nicotine content, showed decreased oxygen saturation, indicating reduced oxygen intake by the lungs.
Implications for Regulation
The study aims to provide valuable data to regulators as they evaluate which vaping products should remain on the market. E-Cigarette vapor have been available for years without stringent regulation, but companies must now seek authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to continue selling their products.
Although e-cigarettes were once recommended by some doctors to help people quit smoking, research has shown they are not effective for smoking cessation. While the FDA has authorized a few vaping products, none has been approved as a harm-reduction device.
Expert Concerns
Dr. Albert Rizzo, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association, emphasized that vaping exposes users to far more than harmless water vapor. He highlighted the growing evidence of its short-term effects on blood vessels and lung function. Rizzo also noted that both nicotine and non-nicotine vapes cause airway irritation and inflammation, which can spread throughout the body in ways similar to exposure to air pollution.
Research has shown that particle pollution increases the risk of heart attacks and other severe health issues. If vaping continues to harm vascular health, users could face a higher likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, or circulation problems.
Rizzo warned against the appeal of flavored vaping products, particularly for young people, and stressed the importance of discouraging their use. He urged greater awareness of vaping’s potential health risks and the need for more stringent regulation to protect public health.
The findings underscore the need for further research to fully understand vaping’s impact on long-term health and its role in the broader conversation about public health and safety.
