Although the effects of e-cigarettes are only partially known, one aspect is certain: they are not free from health risks. A new study – conducted by researchers from University College London and the University of Innsbruck, published in the journal Cancer Research – provides further evidence to support the hypothesis that smoking electronic cigarettes (abbreviated to “e-cig”, from English) also increases the risk of cancer. There is more. In the long run, vaping can cause changes in the DNA of cheek cells similar to those experienced by cigarette (or tobacco) smokers.
DNA fingerprints
The research team investigated the effect of traditional and electronic cigarettes on 3,500 cell samples, both those most directly exposed to smoke – such as cheek cells – and those exposed not directly (this is the case of cervical and blood cells). From the results acquired, similar DNA alterations emerged both in those who smoke classic cigarettes and in those who use e-cigs (which are popular among young people).
“We are talking about alterations that can lead to the formation of a lung tumor,” explains Chiara Herzog, lead author of the study and researcher at the Institute for Women's Health at the University of Innsbruck. “For the first time – he continues – we have analyzed the impact of e-cigs on different types of cells and it is clear that, in the long term, even vaping can have consequences on health”.
Regulate e-cigs
Regarding the harmful impact of e-cigarettes, the Scientific Committee for Health, the Environment and Emerging Risks expressed its opinion in April 2021. The European Commission's advisory body spoke of “moderate” evidence on the dangers for respiratory tract and cardiovascular health, not excluding the hypothesis of carcinogenic effects linked to “vaping”.
The World Health Organization, however, has launched an appeal for electronic cigarettes to be regulated by countries (88 in total) that have not yet done so. Recalling that over 8 million people die every year from tobacco use, the WHO health promotion manager, Rüdiger Krech, reiterated: “E-cigs are not effective for quitting smoking and have harmful effects on health “.