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If vaping appears to be less harmful than cigarettes, it is not free of dangers. A latest study even notes that a particular flavor added to the liquid would have serious consequences on the lungs.
Perceived as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, due to their absence of tobacco and the reduction of toxic substances produced during combustion, electronic cigarettes are now widely adopted. However, they are regularly called into question for their effects on cardiovascular health or oral hygiene. A recent study now adds a possible risk: certain added flavors could have exacerbated effects
Red fruit scent paralyzes immune cells in the lungs
This is a Canadian study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences who makes this revelation. Researchers found that red fruit flavored refills could weaken the lungs’ natural defenses. They exposed mice to flavored e-cigarette vapors and observed their lung immune cells live. According to their observations, the specific chemicals in berry vapors paralyze immune cells in the lungs responsible for eliminating harmful particles, leaving the body more vulnerable to respiratory infections. Unflavored (neutral) products did not have this effect.
“We need to be careful about the types of flavors we use in these products. They can have harmful effects. I think that’s really the take-home message, especially for some of these vaping products that are marketed to kids – the way they’re sold, the type of container they’re sold in – it’s very colorful , it’s really attractive to children, and it can be a very bad thing for our future.”said Professor Ajitha Thanabalasuriar of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at McGill University.
Further work is needed to identify the specific compounds responsible for the alteration of immune cells and to confirm whether the effects observed in mice also occur in humans.
Another study published in 2003, this time comparing menthol, came to the same conclusion. Adding the flavor to e-cigarette liquids generated a greater number of toxic microparticles. However, additional human studies are needed.
Beneath their sweetness, the already criticized perfumes
This is not the first time that “aromas” have been questioned. According to a study conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many flavorings used in liquids contain chemical compounds that can harm lung health, including diacetyl. Research showed that while flavorings themselves are not necessarily toxic, inhaling them can cause respiratory irritation and impair lung function.
Finally, sweet and fruity flavors don’t just attract users to vaping. They also have a reputation for reinforcing nicotine addiction. Several studies have shown that flavors can make vaping more pleasant and less irritating, encouraging more frequent and intense consumption.
WHO calls for banning flavorings
With their sweet taste, e-cigarettes appeal to young people. In 2022, 7.3% of 18-75 year olds say they vape, including 5.5% daily. An attraction that goes against the efforts made for the good health of young people advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO):
“Electronic cigarettes target children through social media and influencers, offering at least 16,000 flavors. Some of these products use cartoon characters and have an elegant design, which appeals to the younger generation.”
To combat this phenomenon, the international agency is calling for the establishment of strict regulations on electronic cigarettes. “in order to reduce their appeal and their harmfulness for the population, in particular by banning all flavors, limiting the concentration and quality of nicotine and subjecting them to taxes”.
Slide: Electronic cigarette: everything you need to know about vaping