A study led by the University of California, Riverside, has discovered that high-use electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, can contain more harmful chemicals than new ones. This raises health concerns for users.
E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, have a specified puff count, indicating how many inhalations they provide before the e-liquid is used up. High-puff e-cigarettes are designed for a large number of puffs, often in the thousands, allowing prolonged use over days or weeks.
The researchers examined discarded popular vape devices from Southern California and compared the chemical makeup of used and new versions of these devices. The focus was on aldehydes, harmful chemicals that form when the e-liquid is heated to create vapour.
As the liquid is heated, chemicals can break down, producing aldehydes like formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen, as well as methylglyoxal (MGO) and glyoxal (GO). The study observed that these aldehydes increased significantly in used devices, posing potential health risks.
Lead author Esther Omaiye highlighted that these aldehydes were found in substantial amounts and caused damage when tested on human lung cells. The concern is that users near the end of a device’s life might inhale more harmful compounds.
Prue Talbot, a professor involved in the study, noted that the fluid in used devices is chemically different and more toxic than fresh e-liquid. The study emphasizes the need for caution with high-puff devices as they age.
The researchers stressed the importance of including puff count in safety assessments and advised users to be wary of the chemical exposure from prolonged use.
The study involved researchers from both the University of California, Riverside, and Portland State University, supported by grants from several health organisations.
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