Australia to Study Vaping Devices and Their Health Effects
A team of researchers at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is studying how vaping affects lung health in a group of users aged 18 to 35 by testing their lung capacity and exercise ability. Led by researcher Dean Mills, the study will focus on th
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A group of researchers at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is studying how e-cigarettes affect the lung health of a group of vapers aged 18 to 35 by testing their lung capacity and exercise ability.<\/div>
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Led by researcher Dean Mills, this study will focus on the effects of regular e-cigarette use on young people and healthy adults. Mills stated that there is an urgent need for further research to understand the risks associated with e-cigarettes. Dr. Mills said: "While the harmful effects of cigarettes are well known, there is little evidence and knowledge about the health hazards of e-cigarettes due to their relatively recent emergence."<\/div>
The lungs are like sponges. They absorb any smoke or substances inhaled, which can cause serious long-term damage and affect a person's life. This study will help us understand more about how the chemicals in e-cigarettes interact with the body and lungs and determine whether and how they affect our ability to exercise."<\/div>
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It is estimated that there are about 200,000 vapers in Australia, most of whom are young people. The most common reasons for starting to smoke are to quit smoking and/or reduce harm.<\/div>
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Unfortunately, a recent article on the USQ website inaccurately stated that smokers resort to this product "despite the lack of evidence for its effectiveness." In fact, contrary to this claim, numerous studies have shown the relative safety of the device and its effectiveness as a smoking cessation tool.<\/div>
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Dr. Mills emphasized that this study is particularly important for young people, as use may lead to long-term health issues. He said: "The lungs of adults who smoked during their teenage years will never reach their full potential and will never function at their maximum capacity."<\/div>
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Researchers noted that weak lungs put individuals at risk for various respiratory diseases. "This makes them more susceptible to lung infections, including coughs, colds, and even COVID-19. It is concerning that many young people are inhaling these chemicals found in e-cigarettes without understanding the full consequences and their impact on their lives and livelihoods."<\/div>
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Recruiting Participants<\/div>
The authors of the study report that they are looking for regular vapers aged 18-35 who are otherwise healthy to participate in part of the study. Any selected participants must be located in the area (Ipswich, Queensland), as they will be required to come to the USQ Ipswich campus for a one-hour assessment, including lung function and exercise ability tests. Interested applicants can contact Dean Mills at dean.mills@usq.edu.au or by phone at 3812 6147.<\/div>
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