E-cigarettes are often promoted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, but new research suggests they may still pose serious health risks. A study from the University of Rochester Medical Center, published in Scientific Reports, found that exclusive e-cigarette users show increased activity in cancer-related cellular pathways compared to non-users.
How E-Cigarettes May Increase Cancer Risk
Researchers focused on exosomal microRNAs, small molecules in the blood that regulate gene activity. These molecules influence inflammation and disease development, including cancer.
According to Dr. Dongmei Li, the study’s lead author, “We found that several microRNAs were overactive in e-cigarette users. These specific microRNAs are linked to cancer pathways, suggesting that vaping may increase the risk of cancer-related cellular changes.”
What the Study Found
To better understand how vaping affects the body, researchers analyzed blood plasma samples from e-cigarette users and non-users. They found:
- Increased activity of cancer-linked microRNAs in e-cigarette users.
- Evidence of toxicity and inflammation in airway cells exposed to e-cigarette aerosols.
- Signs of DNA damage and slower wound healing in airway cells exposed to e-cigarette chemicals.
Dr. Irfan Rahman, a professor of Environmental Medicine, explained, “We used genetic and cell-based tests to identify biomarkers that may be linked to precancerous changes and vascular damage in e-cigarette users.”
E-Cigarettes and Youth Usage
This study comes at a time when e-cigarette use is widespread among teenagers. The 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey found that:
- 7.8% of high school students currently use e-cigarettes.
- 3.5% of middle school students report vaping.
- E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among young people.
Given these statistics, understanding the long-term health risks of vaping is more important than ever.
What This Means for Public Health
The study highlights the need for further research into the long-term health effects of vaping. While e-cigarettes may contain fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes, they are not risk-free.
Dr. Li emphasized, “Our results should be considered by both medical professionals and the public to better understand the hidden dangers of vaping.”
Future research will continue exploring how e-cigarettes affect cancer risk, and these findings could help shape public health policies and regulations. As scientists uncover more evidence, it becomes clear that vaping is not as safe as many believe.
The research findings can be found in Scientific Reports.
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