The scientists say that 'vaping' flavours contain toxins, including different harmful substances that are not inhaled by users of standard tobacco cigarettes. And the huge variety of non-standard vaping liquids exposes people to unknown risks.
Studies have shown that vaping liquids contain aldehydes, compounds which can cause damage to lungs. The Salford study is the first to test flavoured liquids on normal lung tissue.
"When inhaled, some of the flavours we tested proved to be substantially toxic, with prolonged exposure killing bronchial cells completely," said Dr Patricia Ragazzon of the Biomedical Research Centre at the University of Salford.
The dangerous flavours
The experts studied 20 liquid refills in nine flavours:
The experts studied 20 liquid refills in nine flavours:
- Cherry
- Strawberry
- Ice-mint
- Menthol
- Tobacco
- Blueberry
- Vanilla
- Bubble-gum
- Butterscotch
In laboratory tests on cell lines of human bronchial tissue, both embryonic and adult cells were exposed to vapour at a range of concentrations over 24, 48 and 72 hours.
All proved toxic to the cells varying from less toxic (fruit flavours) to moderately to highly toxic (menthol, bubblegum, coffee, butterscotch and tobacco).
"We showed that cells can recover after 48 hours but not once they were exposed for 72 hours or more, which has serious implications for regular smokers," said Dr Ragazzon.
Unregulated products
An additional concern is the huge variation of flavours and their component ingredients.
"The composition of refills is highly irregular - some are natural flavours, some are single compounds, some are synthetic flavours. There are so many varied products on the market, it's difficult to gauge their harmfulness," said Dr Ragazzon.
Source: University of Salford via Sciencedaily.com
All proved toxic to the cells varying from less toxic (fruit flavours) to moderately to highly toxic (menthol, bubblegum, coffee, butterscotch and tobacco).
"We showed that cells can recover after 48 hours but not once they were exposed for 72 hours or more, which has serious implications for regular smokers," said Dr Ragazzon.
Unregulated products
An additional concern is the huge variation of flavours and their component ingredients.
"The composition of refills is highly irregular - some are natural flavours, some are single compounds, some are synthetic flavours. There are so many varied products on the market, it's difficult to gauge their harmfulness," said Dr Ragazzon.
Source: University of Salford via Sciencedaily.com
