First ever vaping study reveals the horrifying effects it can actually have on your body
Vapes initially emerged as tools to assist people in quitting cigarettes. However, with their attractive, vibrant packaging and sweet flavors, many individuals who never smoked before have started using these devices, puffing continuously throughout the day – numerous users arguing vapes pose less risk to health than cigarettes.
Nevertheless, research led by Manchester Metropolitan University represents the first controlled global investigation examining the extended impacts of vaping on the human body and its comparison to cigarette smoking. Expected to finish next month, Dr. Maxime Boidin has disclosed some preliminary results from the investigation.
You might want to put down that vape you're currently holding...
The research
Conducted at the university's Institute of Sport, the investigation involved participants aged 18 to 45 with comparable fitness levels. The research examined participants' blood – assessing the flexibility of their blood vessels and the speed blood traveled to their brains.
Participants avoided vaping, smoking, and exercise for 12 hours before testing and consumed only water. The research revealed startling outcomes – particularly regarding Flow-mediated dilation (FMD).
Flow-mediated dilation uses ultrasound to examine the blood vessel lining by measuring the artery's reaction to blood flow.
The outcomes
The research showed participants who either smoked or vaped displayed similar test results. The FMD results indicated a 'flat reading', signaling damaged artery walls. Blood flow tests also demonstrated both smokers and vapers had equally poor blood circulation.
Dr. Boidin suggests to the Mirror that the harm stems from nicotine – found in both vapes and cigarettes. The doctor also pointed out that vapes contain specific metals and substances like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine.
Chemical flavorings reportedly trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, which can subsequently harm artery walls. But what dangers does this present?
Dangers
Mayo Clinic explains: "When the inner wall of an artery suffers damage, blood cells and additional substances may gather at the injury location. These substances accumulate in the inner artery lining."
"Eventually, fats, cholesterol and additional substances also collect on and within the heart artery walls. This accumulation is called plaque. Plaque can make arteries narrow. Narrowed arteries can restrict blood flow."
Consequences
The plaque can also rupture, causing a blood clot." Dr Boidin additionally cautioned that inadequate blood circulation can elevate the chance of developing cognitive impairment, including dementia, and the investigation is predicted to show fitness capabilities may be compromised in young vapers.
Dr Boidin noted that while she initially believed "at the start (of the investigation)" that "vaping was more advantageous than smoking," the research indicates "the risks for someone who continues vaping match those of smokers" and "when you introduce this combination of metals and chemicals into your system, you cannot anticipate no effects."
The physician observed that smokers "step outside to smoke" and after finishing a cigarette must decide to "ignite another to continue," but vapers can inhale continuously without recognizing when to cease.
Vapers can also do this indoors more readily - adding she anticipates many will be "alarmed" to now "understand the reality."
So, what follows?
Future steps
Dr Boidin suggests vapes should exclusively be utilized to "assist people in quitting smoking" for "a limited period" - as a "transitional device" - and only be obtainable with a doctor's prescription.
However, scientific representative for the UK Vaping Industry Association, Dr Marina Murphy, rejected the investigation's conclusions, claiming "millions" have been using vaping products "without harm" for "numerous years" and alternative evidence indicates "vapes likely present less than 5 percent of the health hazards linked with cigarettes."
