Although e-cigarettes are typically seen as the less harmful alternative to real cigarettes, a recent study conducted by Penn State University researchers revealed that this may not be the case — the team found that the devices produce highly-reactive free radicals, which are molecules associated with cancer and cell damage.
Instead of burning tobacco, e-cigarettes work by delivering nicotine in the form of water vapor, giving users an alternative to the many dangerous byproducts of burning tobacco. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than 20 percent of young adults have at least tried e-cigarettes, and the majority of current and recent smokers are the most likely groups to have used them.
Despite the perception that they're more healthy than standard cigarettes, little research has been done into the long-term health effects pf e-cigs.
"There's a perception that e-cigarettes are healthier than regular cigarettes, or at least not as harmful as regular cigarettes," said John P. Richie Jr., who oversaw the study, in a press release. "While e-cigarette vapor does not contain many of the toxic substances that are known to be present in cigarette smoke, it's still important for us to figure out and to minimize the potential dangers that are associated with e-cigarettes."
Although previous studies have found that e-cigarettes possess lower levels of aldehydes, which are chemical compounds known to cause cell damage, this study is the first to look at free radicals. These chemical compounds are created when the heating coils in the e-cigarette cause the nicotine solution to reach extremely high temperatures.
"The levels of radicals that we're seeing are more than what you might get from a heavily air-polluted area, but less than what you might find in cigarette smoke," said Richie.
Further research needs to be conducted until we have a firm grasp on the extent of damage that e-cigarettes can cause due to the free radicals that they create.
"This is the first step," said Richie. "The identification of these radicals in the aerosols means that we can't just say e-cigarettes are safe because they don't contain tobacco. They are potentially harmful. Now we have to find out what the harmful effects are."
