Vaping flavors could be harmful to the lungs

A study conducted in Quebec points to possible worrying effects on the lungs and respiratory health when consuming vaping products with flavors.

According to a report by ULaval nouvelles, the news website of Laval University, researchers were interested in the molecules that give flavor to vaping liquids, with the aim of documenting their effects on the lungs.

For the purposes of the exercise, they studied more specifically four molecules that are frequently found, among the hundreds that exist and which are also used in food or in perfumes.

"We documented their effects on cells called dendritic cells, which act as sentinels because they are among the first to react to the presence of inflammatory or pathogenic molecules in the body," study leader Mathieu Morissette, a full professor at Laval University, explained to the university media.

Cinnamon and citrus

In tests with mice, the cinnamon and lemon-lime flavor molecules had the ability to activate these famous sentinel cells of the immune system.

This in turn could trigger a cascade of immune reactions that can lead to inflammation of the lungs.

The results "support the possibility that chronic exposure to vaping aerosols may progressively trigger the immunological cascade responsible for the development of serious pulmonary diseases resembling hypersensitivity pneumonitis," the study reads.

It was not possible to speak with researcher Mathieu Morissette on Friday.

He told ULaval Nouvelles that it should not be concluded that flavors other than cinnamon and citrus are acceptable, because "responses to these molecules vary greatly from one person to another."

To avoid

"If you're concerned about your health, the best thing to do is obviously not vape. However, if you can't give it up, my advice is to play it safe and stay away from all flavors," he concludes.

The study is signed by ten authors affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine of Laval University and the Research Center of the University Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology of Quebec-Laval University.

Remember that in Quebec, the sale of e-cigarettes with a flavor or aroma other than tobacco is prohibited, as is the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.

Despite this, flavored products are still easily accessible, industry insiders complained in the pages of the Journal last October .

During the Quebec Survey on the Health of High School Students in 2022-2023, 16% of high school students surveyed admitted to having used an e-cigarette in the previous 30 days.