The health risks of vaping appear to be adding up.
A new abstract of an upcoming paper just published in the journal Nature suggests that both propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), at least one of which is always present in vaping liquids, can impair lung function in humans — specifically by hindering the lungs’ ability to remove foreign particles, pathogens, allergens and dust via mucociliary clearance, which is the coughing up of debris in mucus. It also appears to induce an inflammatory response in epithelial cells in the airways, particularly problematic for those with asthma.
Effective removal of allergens is of course vital for those who have inhaled allergies, and who may experience reactions to pollen (hay fever), animal dander or dust mites.
As I wrote recently, propylene glycol allergy is an increasing problem — enough of one to become the subject of my latest book — and in vaping it can cause throat irritation, wheezing, and other allergy-typical symptoms.
But there are other potential allergens in vaping liquids — such as aromas and flavours — which can potentially be derived from essential oils, perfumes or even foods. These are all key allergens, and carry similar potential to trigger reactions.
Are we underestimating the danger?
The risks were highlighted one year ago in The Times, with experts warning that potential life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis) due to vaping could not be ruled out, including in young people. Fifty children were admitted to hospital due to vaping in 2023, and experts say nuts, milk and gluten could be present in some of the wide variety of flavour profiles which appear particularly popular among today’s youth — despite their sale being illegal to the under-18s. Many young people have tried vaping, according to research, and one in 10 vape regularly.
But ‘passive vaping’ is also a risk to the most severely allergic — and it’s all too easy to get caught up in a ‘cloud’ of vapour in public. Even if a young person doesn’t vape, friends might, putting them unwittingly at risk. With the temptation to constantly change flavours, a ‘safe’ cloud of vape one day may not be safe on a subsequent day …
Despite experts urging vaping companies to declare ingredients explicitly on packaging, this is likely to require legislation to mandate. Enquiries of vaping companies may yield some answers, but young people who may be vaping behind parents’ backs may be unlikely to ask questions, especially if unaware of the risks.
Furthermore, the allergy risks, sadly, do not stop there, as the metal coils in vaping gadgets often contain nickel or chromium. Minute traces of heated metals can get inhaled, and cause reactions to those with systemic allergies to these two metals. Coils based on other metals are available, but this will add to the list of considerations if you vape and have allergies. There is some further guidance on this in my book, The Metal Allergy Guide.
Finally, another very recent study, a meta-analysis and systematic review, published by BMC Public Health, was also stark. It concluded that: “The use of e-cigarettes may be linked with a higher risk of myocardial infarction as well as stroke, even after adjusting for cigarette smoking as a confounder or in those who were former conventional cigarette smokers”.
One wonders whether it’s really worth the risk at all …