As the debate continues on whether electronic cigarettes help people quit smoking, a new University of Rochester study suggests that e-cigarettes are likely a toxic replacement for tobacco products. Emissions from e-cigarette aerosols and flavourings damage lung cells by creating harmful free radicals and inflammation in lung tissue, according to the UR study. Dr Irfan Rahman, professor of environmental medicine at the UR School of Medicine and Dentistry, led the research, which adds to a growing body of scientific data that points to dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping.
The investigation suggests the harm begins when the e-cigarette's heating element is activated. The heating element is designed to turn a liquid solution (known as an e-liquid or "juice") into an aerosol that mimics cigarette smoke. The inhaled vapors contain heavy metals and other possible carcinogens in the form of nano-particles – tiny particulate matter that can reach farther into lung tissue, cell systems, and blood stream.
Rahman's study also shows that some flavoured e-juices (particularly cinnamon) create more stress and toxicity on lung tissue. Researchers observed in the laboratory that human lung cells exposed to e-cigarette aerosols released various inflammation biomarkers. Mice exposed to e-cigarettes with classic tobacco flavouring also demonstrated signs of pulmonary inflammation.
"Several leading medical groups, organisations, and scientists are concerned about the lack of restrictions and regulations for e-cigarettes," Rahman said. "Our research affirms that e-cigarettes may pose significant health risks and should be investigated further. It seems that every day a new e-cigarette product is launched without knowing the harmful health effects of these products."
Two leading cancer organisations in the US – the American Association for Cancer Research and American Society for Clinical Oncology – say that e-cigarettes should be subject to the same Food and Drug Administration (FDA) restrictions as tobacco until more is known about possible adverse health effects. Insufficient data also exists on the value of the tool for smoking cessation. Manufacturers contend it's a safer alternative to cigarettes, and consumers have pushed sales in the US beyond $1bn.
Rahman's study notes that manufacturers typically don't disclose all materials and chemicals used to make e-cigarettes and e-juices. Without that information or long-term use studies, consumers have limited information about the potential dangers for human health and the environment, he said.
[link url="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-02/uorm-evf020615.php"]University of Rochester release[/link]
[link url="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0116732"]PLOS One abstract[/link]