Vape e-liquids could be more harmful to human lung cells than nicotine

Scientists also identified a promising set of biological markers that that could lead to the first non-invasive tests to detect lung damage caused by vaping.

The study examined how both nicotine alone and e-liquids containing nicotine affect the lungs at a cellular level, focusing on tiny molecules called microRNAs that are carried by small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), microscopic particles released by cells.

Researchers say these biological signals could eventually form the basis of a simple, non-invasive test to identify E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI). EVALI is a serious condition linked to vaping which can cause severe breathing difficulties and has been linked to thousands of hospital admissions worldwide.

The study compared responses in both healthy and cancer-derived human lung cells. While both were negatively affected by exposure to vaping liquids, healthy lung cells showed greater sensitivity to the treatment.

Researchers also found evidence that these harmful effects persisted even when nicotine was removed from the e-liquid, suggesting that other ingredients commonly used in vaping products may play a major role in causing damage.

More than five million adults in Britain currently use vaping products, and public health experts continue to debate their long-term safety.

Professor Arijit Mukhopadhyay (pictured below), who conceived and led the study, said: “While vaping is believed to be a safer alternative to smoking, we need to be aware that the e-liquids used in vapes might be very damaging for our lungs in many other ways. 

“We need more fundamental studies and longitudinal public health research to help us better understand the consequences of long-term vaping, and stricter regulations should be considered.”