Vaping is Just as Dangerous as Smoking, New Study Finds

While smoking rates have fallen to record lows, vaping has become increasingly common, with some evidence finding it to be a less harmful alternative to cigarettes.

But a new study out of Manchester Metropolitan University is countering that, determining that e-cigs are at least as harmful as regular ones — and in at least one key way, they’re worse.

Study Finds E-Cigs as Harmful as Cigarettes

“At the beginning [of the study], I also believed that vaping was more beneficial than smoking,” Dr. Maxime Boidin told the Daily Mirror. “You see a lot more people vaping these days because they don’t think it’s too bad. Many will be horrified to know the truth.”

The study has been underway since 2023 and is projected to wrap up in March, but Boidin is already sharing warnings he’s gleaned from the results.

Links to Organ Failure, Heart Disease, and Brain Issues

What we have found is the dangers for someone who keeps vaping are no different from smokers,” he said.

They were able to link vaping to the possibility of organ failure, heart disease, and brain issues like dementia.

Impact on Fitness Levels

It can also impact fitness levels.

“In this study, we looked at a group of young people with no apparent signs of lung damage. Among the people who had been vaping or smoking for at least two years, we saw important differences in how well they coped with exercise,” Dr. Azmy Faisal, a senior lecturer in cardiorespiratory physiology at Manchester Met, said last year.

“The smokers and the vapers had measurably excess breathing while using the exercise bikes. They found it harder to breathe, their muscles became more fatigued, and they were less fit overall. In this regard, our research indicated that vaping is no better than smoking.” 

Damaged Artery Walls

They also found that people who vaped had damaged artery walls which wouldn’t dilate during a stress test, which could indicate heart problems in the future.

Key Differences between Smoking and Vaping

While the damage was clear for both vapers and smokers, Boidin noted that a clear difference in smoking and vaping behavior can make the latter more dangerous.

“Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a cigarette is finished they have to light up another to keep going,” he said.

But with vapes, you just keep going and it’s much harder to know how many puffs you’ve had. It’s much easier to vape continuously because you can do it in places where smoking might be less acceptable.”

Contrasting Expert Opinions

While this latest research offers a counterpoint to advice that vaping can help people quit smoking, other experts have come forward in recent years to warn about the dangers of e-cigarettes.

The American Heart Association has called the rise in young people using vapes a “serious public health threat,” noting that most still have “highly addictive” nicotine, which can be especially harmful for developing brains.

The vapor may also contain the chemical diacetyl, which has been linked to lung disease, as well as nickel, tin, and lead.

Reports of Lung Injuries

There have been a number of startling reports of serious lung injuries caused by vaping as well.

Jordan Brielle, 32, told Kennedy News and Media last year that she nearly died when her lungs collapsed and black goo poured out of her.

She’d been a longtime smoker before switching to vaping in 2021, becoming so addicted that she showered and slept with an e-cigarette.

Conclusion

The findings of this study are a wake-up call for those who believe that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking. While more research is needed to fully understand the risks associated with e-cigarettes, it is clear that vaping is not the harmless alternative it is often made out to be.

FAQs

Q: Is vaping safe?
A: No, according to this study, vaping is just as harmful as smoking in many ways.

Q: What are the risks associated with vaping?
A: The study found links to organ failure, heart disease, brain issues, and damaged artery walls, among other problems.

Q: Are there any safe e-cigarettes?
A: The study did not investigate the safety of specific e-cigarette brands or products, but it did find that the vapor may contain harmful chemicals such as diacetyl, nickel, tin, and lead.

Q: Can I quit smoking by switching to vaping?
A: According to the study, vaping is not a safe or effective way to quit smoking. In fact, it may be harmful in its own right.