Research shows that vaping is as damaging to young people’s lungs as smoking, sparking a new debate about the health risks of e-cigarettes.
The study compared vapers and smokers during a strenuous exercise test, and found that both groups were less fit and got out of breath much faster than people who had neither habit.
Dr Azmy Faisal and colleagues from Manchester Metropolitan University asked 60 people in their 20s to have their lung capacity measured by spending time on a static exercise bike. Twenty were non-smokers, 20 had vaped for at least two years, and the remaining 20 had smoked for at least two years.
The vapers had an average “peak exercise capacity,” which at 186 watts was similar to that of the smokers (182 watts), but much lower than that of the non-smokers or vapers (226 watts). The test measures the maximum amount of physical exertion a person can achieve.
In addition, the vapers and smokers were able to take in less oxygen – 2.7 liters and 2.6 liters per minute, respectively – than those who did not smoke or vape (3 liters).
“The study adds to the growing evidence that long-term use of vaping is harmful and challenges the idea that vaping could be a healthier alternative to smoking,” said Faisal and his co-authors of the study, which they presented on Sunday at the European Respiratory Society (ESC) conference in Vienna.
“Both vapers and smokers showed signs that their blood vessels were not working as well as non-smokers and non-vapers, as shown by blood tests and ultrasound scans.
“The smokers and vapers were more likely to be out of breath, experience intense leg fatigue, and have higher blood lactate levels, a sign of muscle fatigue, even before they reached their maximum exercise level.”
The percentage of adults in the UK who vape has risen steadily in recent years, from 4.2% in 2014 to 11%, with many smokers using them to kick the habit. But the percentage of 11- to 17-year-olds who vape has risen much more sharply over the same period, from 1.3% to 7.6%.
Medical researchers have found evidence that vaping increases the risk of cancer by altering DNA. It has also been found to damage the brain and vital organs, as e-cigarette aerosols and liquids can contain traces of toxic metals such as lead and uranium.
Dr Filippos Filippidis, chair of the ESC’s Tobacco Control Committee and lecturer in public health at Imperial College London, said: “E-cigarettes are sold cheaply and in different flavours to appeal to young people.
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“That is why we see more and more young people starting this habit, without knowing the long-term consequences for their health.
“Doctors and policymakers need to be aware of the risks of vaping and we must do everything we can to help children and young people avoid or quit vaping.”
The government has pledged to use its tobacco and e-cigarettes bill to tackle the “irresponsible” marketing of e-cigarettes to children and to phase out smoking.