Scientists Warn: Vape from Electronic Cigarettes Contains Toxins That Attack Lung Cells

SadaNews - Researchers from the University of California have warned of the presence of hidden toxic substances forming inside the vapor of electronic cigarettes, which may cause damage to lung cells, even with low levels of exposure.

They explained that these findings highlight a hidden danger in electronic cigarette products, as toxins do not only come from nicotine or heavy metals but can also form from basic elements upon heating. The results were published on Thursday in the journal "Frontiers in Toxicology."

Electronic cigarettes rely on heating a special liquid that typically contains a mixture of nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings, using a small metallic coil inside the device. When heated, this liquid turns into vapor, which is inhaled through the device's mouthpiece, giving the user a sensation similar to smoking traditional cigarettes but without burning tobacco. However, this heating process may lead to the breakdown of some chemical components and the formation of toxic or irritating compounds for the lungs, raising increasing concerns about the long-term safety of these devices.

The researchers studied the toxicity of both "methylglyoxal" and "acetaldehyde," two substances known for their harmful effects, which can be formed during the heating of electronic smoking liquids containing propylene glycol. Although the dangers of these two substances in other contexts are known, their effects during electronic smoking have not been precisely understood until now.

Using lab-grown human tissues representing bronchial cells, the team exposed the cells to realistic levels of each substance and observed their reactions.

The results revealed that both substances disrupt vital cellular functions, such as energy production and maintaining the cell's internal structure, but methylglyoxal exhibited a significantly higher level of toxicity, even at lower quantities. It was found to attack the "mitochondria" responsible for energy production in cells, leading to decreased cellular energy and damage to vital cellular components, as well as weakening the "cytoskeleton" that gives cells their shape and stability, which is an indicator of cellular stress that could develop into permanent damage to lung tissues with repeated exposure.

The results also indicated that electronic devices, which users believe to be safer, might produce higher levels of "methylglyoxal," increasing the potential for harm. Experiments showed that even relatively short exposure to these substances is sufficient to alter sensitive cellular pathways related to energy production, DNA repair, and maintaining cell integrity.

The researchers viewed these results as a significant step toward understanding the biochemical mechanisms underlying lung injuries related to electronic smoking and the necessity to reassess the safety of the components of electronic liquids in light of this information, especially amid the widespread use of these devices among young people.