Research identifies protein responsible for increasing inflammation and oxidative stress
A new study has identified a protein that nicotine-free vape fluid increases in the lung, causing damage including oxidative stress, inflammation and breakdown of the blood vessels.
The research, published in the journal Microvascular Research demonstrates a range of damaging pathways when an in vitro model of the human lung was exposed to a common brand of nicotine-free e-cigarette.
E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular in recent years and are often seen as harmless alternatives to cigarette smoking. It is estimated that there are almost five million ‘vapers’ in the UK, compared to around 700,000 in 2012.
It is honestly really frustrating to see the issue of relative harm just get flat out ignored. “Vaping is bad” - you never see it compared in any sensible way to alcohol, cigarettes, formaldehyde from carpets - what have you (all of which are more or less bad). “Even drinking water can harm the body” is about as useful a statement. This is so tiresome - we’re not children.
They can be used to quit smoking cigarettes completely and then you can ween yourself off the vape a little easier (ymmv).
So even if vapes were worse than cigarettes (surely they’re not), in the long run it’d still be better for you if you were trying to quit.
Right! I smoked for over 30 years. I started vaping about 12 years ago. Prior to that I tried quitting numerous times - patches, lozenges, pills - none really lasted. Vaping works and it sure as hell is less harmful than the cocktail you get from old-school cigs.