– The results are worrying, as they clearly show that e-cigarettes with nicotine are not a harmless alternative to cigarettes. We have long worked to spread scientifically based knowledge about the health effects of nicotine, and this research strengthens our belief that tobacco and new nicotine products should be treated equally before the law.
This is according to Kristina Sparreljung, Secretary General of the Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, which provided funding for the study.
The research study was conducted as a randomized cross-over study in which 22 healthy men and women participated.
The study is the first of its kind to show a direct link between inhaled nicotine and specific lung-related inflammation markers in the blood. The researchers also emphasize that the absorption of nicotine via vaping is significantly faster than when using, for example, nicotine patches, which may further increase health risks.
– Our results are in line with previous studies where nicotine from e-cigarettes has been shown to affect blood vessels by increasing levels of vascular damage markers in the blood. It is remarkable that even single occasions can have biological effects. In the long term, this can contribute to the development of both lung diseases and cardiovascular disease, says Fariborz Mobarrez, associate professor and researcher at the Department of Medical Sciences at Uppsala University who led the study.
The researchers say the study's results should be considered when advising people to quit smoking. Inhaled nicotine through e-cigarettes cannot be seen as a risk-free alternative, and more research is needed on its long-term effects on both lung and heart health.
Source:
New study: Inhaled nicotine from e-cigarettes may be linked to acute inflammation in the lungs
