As vaping continues to grow in popularity, especially among young adults, concerns about its health risks are coming to the forefront.
Researchers from Concordia University have delved into the impact of certain vaping additives on lung health, highlighting potential dangers beyond the well-known risks of tobacco and cannabis consumption.
A study published in the journal Langmuir by the Concordia team has shed light on how tocopherol and tocopherol acetate, compounds added to e-cigarettes, could harm the lungs.
These substances, when heated and inhaled, integrate into the lung’s pulmonary surfactant. This vital membrane ensures the stability of the lungs’ surface tension during breathing and facilitates the essential exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Using molecular-level models, including one-molecule-thick films to simulate the lung surfactant’s behavior, the researchers discovered that the addition of vitamin E, which is structurally similar to the surfactant’s lipids, disrupts its normal function.
Advanced techniques like microscopy and X-ray analysis revealed that the presence of this additive compromises the surfactant’s ability to facilitate gas exchange and maintain surface tension, potentially making breathing more difficult.
This disturbance is believed to be a contributing factor to the symptoms of electronic cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury (EVALI), such as shortness of breath and reduced oxygen levels.
This finding is particularly alarming given the rise in vaping among young Canadians, with notable percentages of those aged 15 to 24 reporting daily use. The study underscores the risks associated with vaping, especially flavored products that appeal to this age group.
Christine DeWolf, a professor at Concordia and a lead researcher on the study, points out that while many vaping solution components are approved for other uses, the high temperatures required to vaporize them can trigger additional chemical reactions.
This means the substances inhaled during vaping might not be the same as those originally present in the e-liquid.
The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the effects of vaping additives on lung surfactant, especially for younger generations drawn to vaping trends.
It provides valuable insights into the potential health consequences of vaping, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
As the first phase of a larger project examining the components of vaping solutions, this study aims to inform regulatory bodies about the risks of certain carriers and additives.
By highlighting how these substances can impair lung function, the Concordia team hopes to contribute to more effective regulation of vaping products to protect public health.
If you care about lung health, please read studies about marijuana’s effects on lung health, and why some non-smokers get lung disease and some heavy smokers do not.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that olive oil may help you live longer, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
The research findings can be found in Langmuir.
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