The long-term health impacts of smoking electronic cigarettes are to be investigated in a new study led by researchers from the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport.
Electronic cigarettes – commonly referred to as e-cigarettes or vapes – have become increasingly popular in the last decade due to their reputation as being a healthier alternative to a traditional cigarette.
However, due to them being relatively new on the market, very little research has been done on the long-term impacts vaping has on health.
Researchers believe that although vaping is likely to be better for an individual than smoking cigarettes, using them on a regular basis will still have significant impacts.
Dr Maxime Boidin, Senior Lecturer in Cardiac Rehabilitation at the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, said: “The study will look at the chronic and acute effects of using a vape on vascular health.
“We know already the long-term impact of smoking behaviour on cardiovascular health but for e-cigarettes it is not the case yet.
“From discussions with clinical experts, they have mentioned already they have seen some symptoms like coughing, chest pain or lung dysfunction.
“So, we can see the early markers of this dysfunction of using a vape at the moment.”
The study has been launched at a time when calls for more research into the long-term impacts of vaping has intensified.
Growing concern over the popularity of vapes amongst young people has raised alarms of the health impacts, with some countries even taking measures to limit the availability of disposable vapes, which make up the majority of vape sales in young people.
Dr Boidin added: “Although our research won’t be published for around 18-months, we hope that our findings will help to inform guidelines and regulations on the sale of e-cigarettes in the future.
“We also hope to help the general population better understand what they are putting in their bodies and any potential risks that come with that.
“We should heed the lessons from the mistakes made in the 1980s regarding traditional cigarettes and avoid repeating similar errors with e-cigarettes.”
