Australian Study: Vaping Contains Far Fewer Toxic Chemicals Than Cigarettes

The Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association has published a report on its website stating that the largest study to date on the safety of vaping has confirmed that the toxic chemicals inhaled from vaping are significantly lower than those from smoking.

Dr. Colin Mendelsohn, an associate professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, introduced a recent study published in JAMA Network Open involving 5,105 adults. The study was led by prominent researcher Maciej Goniewicz.

The study measured the levels of tobacco toxins in the urine of four different groups: vapers, smokers, dual users (those who smoke cigarettes and use vaping devices), and non-smokers.

Mendelsohn stated that researchers tested for 50 of the most significant toxins typically found in tobacco smoke, including TSNAs (tobacco-specific nitrosamines), PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), metals, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These toxins are responsible for most smoking-related diseases.

Mendelsohn noted that the main finding of the study is that, compared to smokers whose toxins were measured, vapers had toxin concentrations that were 10-98% lower. He mentioned that all other levels in vapers were lower, except for most metals and three volatile organic compounds (toluene, benzene, and carbon disulfide). He believes that vapers may have higher exposure to secondhand smoke, so some toxins may come from passive smoking. Additionally, some chemicals, such as metals, can remain in the body for years, possibly stemming from past smoking or other sources.
 
Image Source: Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction

The toxin levels in non-smokers were found to be 19-91% lower than those found in vapers.

It is reported that the study's findings are consistent with other previous studies summarized in a 2018 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the United States.