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.

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[–] reddig33@lemmy.world 31 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (2 children)

Harm more, or less than cigs? Cause cancer? These studies need to be more specific about which is worse.

[–] svdasein@lemmy.world 31 points 9 months ago (1 children)

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.

[–] norbert@kbin.social 10 points 9 months ago (1 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.

[–] svdasein@lemmy.world 10 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

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.

[–] Whirlgirl9@kbin.social 8 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

are you me? i also quit smoking using vape. I smoked for 3 decades and finally quit smoking/vaping about 8 years ago with the help of stepping down the nicotine until i got to zero...thank goodness. Congrats on your hard fought victory svdasein.

[–] Aussiemandeus@aussie.zone 15 points 9 months ago (1 children)

These studies are probably funded by cigarette companies and governments to push people away from vapes and back to cigarettes