USA- Eurekalert.org writes that mice who were exposed to e-cigarette smoke later developed lung cancer. The study found that the link existed between mice who were exposed to the smoke from e-cigarettes, but only when the e-cigarettes contained nicotine. The mice were surrounded by the smoke, not inhaling directly as a human would. Over the course […]
USA- Eurekalert.org writes that mice who were exposed to e-cigarette smoke later developed lung cancer. The study found that the link existed between mice who were exposed to the smoke from e-cigarettes, but only when the e-cigarettes contained nicotine. The mice were surrounded by the smoke, not inhaling directly as a human would.
Over the course of 54 weeks, nine out of 40 of mice exposed to nicotine-containing smoke developed cancer, while not one out of the 20 mice exposed to nicotine-free vaping smoke developed cancer. A link between bladder cancer and vaping in mice was also found, as 23 out of 40 of the mice exposed to the nicotine-containing e-cigarette smoke were found to have pre-cancerous lesions on their bladders. Again, none of the mice exposed to nicotine-free smoke had these lesions.
The study goes against the impression many have held that vaping is relatively safe. The risks associated with cigarettes are well known and well-studied. Vaping was presented as a safer alternative, and in some studies, has been presented as being a lifesaving product for people who switched from traditional cigarettes. Unfortunately, the marketing of e-cigarettes and the presentation of vaping as a safe alternative to smoking, has likely led to many teens choosing to vape, when they may never have chosen to smoke.
The culprit is nicotine, which enters cells and causes an increase in changes in the DNA. This increases the chance that these changes will result in cancer cells.
The researchers plan to expand their study to include more mice and shorter exposure periods in order to get a complete picture of the impact of e-cigarettes on health.