VAPING is ‘likely’ to cause lung and mouth cancer, scientists fear.
have long been touted as a way to stop smoking and lower smokers’ risk of lung cancer.
Vaping is ‘likely’ to cause lung and mouth cancer, scientists fearCredit: Alamy
Researchers from the University of New South Wales in Sydney now claim the devices could cause in their own right.
They reviewed studies on mice who developed lung tumours after exposure to vape aerosol and reports of who developed aggressive mouth cancer.
Vapour from the pens may contain cancer-causing chemicals, leading to DNA damage and tissue inflammation, researchers said.
They claimed containing nicotine are likely to increase the risk of mouth and lung cancer, but they couldn’t say how much without more studies on humans.
Lead author Professor Bernard Stewart said: “We’ll only be able to determine the precise risk once longer-term studies are available.”
While vaping is considered far less harmful to health than , the findings may serve as a warning to people who vape but have never smoked.
Prof Becky Freeman from the University of Sydney warned: “Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking for nonsmokers.”
But the review has drawn criticism from other experts, who called it “misleading” and “problematic”.
Prof Lion Shahab, of University College London, said: “No one would argue that e-cigarettes are entirely risk-free.
“They should be used as a harm reduction product to help those who smoke to quit and reduce their risk of developing smoking-related diseases.
“However, this review does not offer a ‘smoking gun’ that e-cigarettes cause oral or lung cancer, nor does it make an attempt at quantifying this risk.
“The evidence is simply not there.”
Vape use has risen steadily in recent years, in popularity among Brits last year.
Ten per cent of over-16s use e-cigarettes regularly, compared to the nine per cent who still smoke cigarettes, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The 4 horrifying things that can happen to your body after vaping
VAPES were once hailed as miracle devices to help adults ditch cigarettes.
But while the devices don’t carry the same risks as tobacco, experts have warned that vaping might not be so harmless after all.
Here are five ways vaping could damage young users bodies:
1. It could slow down brain development
Vaping nicotine can permanently affect brain development in people under the age of 25, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It said that nicotine consumed during teenage years can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control, as well as increase the risk of addiction.
2. It could lead to tooth decay
Dr Michael Heffernan, a dentist at The Wessex Dental Specialist Care, said most vapes contain dangerous chemicals that can harm your teeth and lead to decay.
Puffing on the devices could also lead to mouth dryness, creating an environment in which harmful bacteria can grow.
3. It could damage heart health
However, some of the chemicals found in vapes can be damaging to the , with the American Heart Association (AHA) stating that vaping is “as harmful to the body’s cardiovascular systems as cigarettes”.
4. It could cause lung disease
Vaping from a young age could leave children with breathing difficulties, with paediatric respiratory consultant Dr Mike McKean saying he’d seen reports of people developing lung disease related to vaping.
Researchers from the US also found that young people who vape are more at risk of , inflammation of the airways, and shortness of breath.
Read more on how vaping can affect your health .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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