While smoking rates have gradually declined, vaping has emerged as an alternative, marketed as a safer choice compared to traditional cigarettes. However, a recent study by Manchester Metropolitan University challenges this idea, revealing that e-cigarettes are just as harmful as regular cigarettes, with no clear advantages in at least one critical area.
Dr Maxime Boidin, who initially believed vaping was less harmful than smoking, shared his surprise in an interview with the Daily Mirror, stating, "You see a lot more people vaping these days because they don't think it's too bad. Many will be horrified to know the truth." Though the study is ongoing and expected to conclude in March, Dr Boidin is eager to share the alarming findings so far.
According to Dr Azmy Faisal, a senior lecturer in cardiorespiratory physiology at Manchester Met, who was part of the study with Dr Boidin, young people without any apparent lung damage who had been vaping or smoking for at least two years showed significant differences in their ability to perform physical activity.
"The smokers and vapers had noticeably more difficulty breathing during exercise, their muscles fatigued more quickly, and they were less fit overall," Dr Faisal explained. The results indicated that vaping doesn't offer any advantages over smoking in this regard.
Additionally, the study found that vapers had damaged artery walls that failed to dilate during stress tests, which could be an early indicator of future heart problems.
Dr Boidin also pointed out a key difference between smoking and vaping behaviour, which may make vaping more harmful. Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a cigarette is finished, they need to light another. With vapes, it's easier to keep going continuously, and it's harder to track how many puffs you've had. Plus, it's more socially acceptable to vape in places where smoking is frowned upon.
Also Read | The impact of e-cigarettes on lung health: 5 health risks you cannot ignore
How vaping differs from smoking
Although both smoking and vaping involve inhaling substances that impact lung and heart health, they differ significantly in their composition, toxicity, and long-term effects.
Cigarettes contain tobacco that, when burned, releases over 7,000 chemicals, including 70 known carcinogens like formaldehyde and benzene. In contrast, e-cigarettes vaporize a liquid containing nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavouring agents, which eliminates combustion and reduces some harmful chemicals. However, the nicotine levels in e-cigarettes can be higher than those in traditional cigarettes, raising the risk of addiction and cardiovascular problems.
Dr Shivakumar K, Chief Consultant Pulmonologist at Kauvery Hospital, Bengaluru, highlighted a 2020 study from Jama Network Open that found high-nicotine vaping can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, increasing cardiovascular risks.
Second-hand exposure to vapour is also concerning, particularly for non-smokers, adolescents, and pregnant women. Dr Geetanjali Patil, a consultant physician at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, noted, "Vapour still exposes others to harmful chemicals, including nicotine."
Also Read | What’s behind teen vaping craze? Discover reasons behind the rise
Health concerns of vaping
Experts have identified several health risks associated with vaping, including:
- Lung damage: Vaping can lead to lung inflammation, scarring, and decreased lung function. Some chemicals in vape liquids may leave a sticky residue that coats the lungs.
- Nicotine addiction: E-cigarettes often contain high levels of nicotine, making them highly addictive, especially among young users. This can impair brain development and increase the risk of substance abuse in the future.
- Cardiovascular risks: Vaping has been linked to higher blood pressure, increased heart rate, and an elevated risk of heart disease.
- EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury): A severe lung condition primarily associated with vitamin E acetate found in some vape products.
- Respiratory issues: Vapers often report symptoms like chronic coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Oral health: Studies, such as one from the Journal of Dental Research in 2021, suggest vaping is linked to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath, often due to dry mouth and bacterial imbalances.
Ultimately, quitting both smoking and vaping remains the healthiest choice. "Behavioural therapies, nicotine replacement treatments, and medical guidance are considered the most effective approaches for long-term health improvement," Dr Patil concluded.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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