New Analysis Details The Numerous Health Consequences Of Vaping

A new analysis has detailed the various health consequences of vaping based on all peer-reviewed studies published on vaping and electronic cigarettes to date. The team found that electronic cigarettes have been linked to many potential health consequences in both humans and animals, including cell and lung health changes similar to diseases caused by smoking traditional cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes, more commonly referred to as vaping devices, feature a battery and atomizer that, when heated to high temperatures, vaporizes a liquid solution that typically features vegetable glycerin and/or propylene glycol, as well as nicotine and a flavoring agent. The long-term health consequences of vaping are unknown, but many have championed the devices as safer than smoking.

An outbreak of cases involving more than 500 people who recently vaped have raised questions about whether that belief is true; in addition to hundreds of people who have suffered from a severe lung condition likely as a consequence of vaping, several individuals have died. Health experts have ramped up their efforts to investigate vaping products in light of these cases.

A new paper published in BMJ detailed the comprehensive review of vaping studies performed by Rob Tarran, PhD, Jeffrey Gotts, MD, PhD, Sven-Eric Jordt, PhD, and Rob McConnell, MD. The conclusion is concerning, highlighting a number of findings related to existing scientific papers on electronic cigarettes.

The team reviewed multiple studies, for example, that found negative effects on the entire lung related to vaping, including the potential for damage to things like the organ's blood supply. As well, the team found reports of lipoid pneumonia from around the world that were similar to the lung disease cases currently being disclosed in the US.

Multiple animal studies have shown evidence that vaping may increase the risk of immunosuppression and suffering lung damage. As well, past research on pulmonary cells exposed to vaping liquid found changes that indicate electronic cigarettes may damage a lung's ability to function properly. Negative health effects were associated with the liquids used to suspend the nicotine, as well as the nicotine itself and the flavorings used.