According to German studies, electronic cigarettes damage the immune system of the lungs. Laboratory experiments show that steam condensates lead to dysfunctions and death of macrophages. Despite the previous recommendations, experts concluded: “vaping” is a harmful alternative to cigarette smoking.
How do electronic cigarettes affect the lungs?
Electronic cigarettes do not contain combustion products and carcinogens. Therefore, it was previously believed that vaping is less harmful than smoking.
Many smokers also report using electronic cigarettes to quit smoking.
The National Institute of Health recommended using electronic cigarettes as a replacement for cigarettes. However, the "usefulness" of electronic cigarettes is increasingly being questioned by experts. Smoke contains nicotine and other substances that can irritate the airways.
Why are condensates harmful?
Upon inhalation of vapors, condensation forms which deposits on the mucous membrane of the lungs. To study the consequences, a team of scientists developed a special laboratory test.
Researchers isolated live macrophages from the bronchi of 8 healthy volunteers. Then they doused them with e-cigarette liquid. In a second approach, macrophages were exposed to steam condensate containing nicotine.
The results show that both liquids and condensate decrease the viability of macrophages. The effects were dose dependent, which emphasizes causality. In direct comparisons, condensates produced a more harmful effect than pure liquids. Nicotine also accelerated the death of macrophages.
In another experiment, condensates reduced the ability of macrophages to absorb bacteria and other contaminants. Phagocytosis is the most important property of macrophages. Due to this effect, they absorb bacteria, dust particles and allergens.
Failures in the immune system have a serious impact on humans in the long run. Macrophages will be affected when vaping as well as when smoking. Smoking is one of the main risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Scientists believe that steam can do the same harm as smoking.
What substances are harmful to a "vaper"?
The use of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes in a study by German scientists led to a temporary increase in systolic blood pressure. An increase in heart rate was also observed, which lasted longer than after smoking a regular cigarette.
Researchers fear that regular use of electronic cigarettes could harm the cardiovascular system in the long run.
Electronic cigarettes are not considered harmful to health because they do not expose the lungs to carcinogens. However, smokers also have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which is associated not with pollutants, but with nicotine.
What results were obtained in other studies?
Klas Franzen of the University Medical Center investigated the effects of electronic cigarettes and conventional cigarettes. 15 healthy people were divided into 3 groups: control, inhaling fumes and smoking cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes contained 24 mg / ml nicotine.
After smoking regular cigarettes, an increase in systolic blood pressure was observed, which lasted more than 15 minutes. When vaping, an increase in systolic blood pressure was observed for 45 minutes. An electronic cigarette without nicotine did not affect blood pressure.
Nicotine intake also increased heart rate.
After a regular cigarette, the pulse increased for 30 minutes. After inhaling fluid from an electronic cigarette, a rapid pulse was observed for 45 minutes.
The results can be explained by a more efficient delivery of nicotine by electronic cigarettes into the body. An increase in systolic blood pressure and heart rate is associated with a temporary increase in vascular walls. A constant load on the vessels increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis - plaques.
