The Harm of E-Cigarette Condensation to Human Cells

Many people have switched from conventional cigarettes to e-cigarettes. Many believe that using e-cigarettes is safer than smoking regular cigarettes. However, a new study by scientists at the University of Birmingham found that the effects of vaporized e-liquid in e-cigarettes on the lungs and body are similar to those seen in conventional smokers.

　　The study was published in the medical journal Thorax. It found that vapor promotes the production of inflammatory chemicals and damages alveolar macrophages, which play a “key protective role in the lungs.” 　　These macrophages engulf and clear dust, bacteria, and allergens that escape other mechanical defenses in the respiratory tract. Researchers said that more studies are still needed to fully determine whether e-cigarettes pose greater risks to human health. However, current findings already indicate that e-cigarettes may cause significant harm to people.

　　One researcher pointed out that although scientists have already studied the effects of non-vaporized e-liquid, the vaporization process changes the chemical composition of the liquid. This study used vaporized e-liquid in order to more accurately reflect real-world use. Vaporized e-liquid is toxic to living cells, suppresses key cells in the immune system, and increases the production of inflammatory chemicals. One conclusion of the study is that condensate is significantly more harmful to cells than the liquid itself, and the effect worsens as the dose increases.