Vaping could immediately affect how well your blood vessels work, even if the e-cigarette doesn’t contain nicotine, according to new research at the University of Pennsylvania. Researchers also found that non-nicotine e-cigarettes still decreased the amount of oxygen a person inhales.
“People mistakenly believe that electronic cigarettes are safer alternatives to tobacco-based cigarettes, but this is actually not true,” Dr. Marianne Nabbout, lead author of the study and a radiology resident at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, said in a news release.
The study analyzed more than 30 healthy vapers and smokers between the ages of 21 and 49. Dr. Nabbout noted that the immediate effects observed in the study raise concerns about long-term health risks.
“If the acute consumption of an e-cigarette can have an effect that is immediately manifested at the level of the vessels, it is conceivable that the chronic use can cause vascular disease,” Nabbout said.
Dr. Nabbout emphasized the importance of understanding vaping’s risks.
“Ultimately, we are relying on science to help guide the regulation of such products in favor of public health,” she said. “Refraining from smoking and vaping is always recommended.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth. Recent data shows that around 8% of high school students and 4% of middle school students vape.
The findings from this ongoing research will be presented next week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.