New research suggests the liquid used in electronic cigarettes could increase the risk of viral lung infections, regardless of whether or not it contains nicotine.
The findings suggest e-cigarettes may not be the healthy solution to quitting smoking that they are often believed to be, National Jewish Health reported.
"We took cells from the airways of young, healthy non-smokers and exposed them to the liquid or vapors from e-cigarettes in the lab and in as little as 10 minutes we saw a dramatic reaction," said Dr. Hong Wei Chu, director of the Basic Science Section at National Jewish Health and leader of the study. "The cells showed a strong pro-inflammatory response and the risk of viral infection in those cells rose significantly."
To make their findings, researchers used a machine containing a sterile container filled with human cells on one end and an e-cigarette on the other. The machine applied suction to the device in order to replicate the act of smoking. Once the smoke reached the healthy cells, it was observed to cause an immediate damage immune response (an increase in IL-6 proteins) that lasted for up to 48 hours.
The study adds to the growing evidence that e-cigarettes, which are on the rise in the U.S., are not as harmless as they are marketed to be. In 2010, less than 2 percent of U.S. adults had tried e-cigarettes, but these numbers have risen 620 percent since then. Researchers believe the number of children and teenagers who use e-cigarettes are also on the rise.
"We have provided strong evidence that the liquid used in e-cigarettes, whether it contains nicotine or not, has negative effects on the airways and on the lungs. The problem is, these products aren't regulated and there are no standards to control how much nicotine or other chemicals they contain. I think e-cigarettes could prove dangerous, especially with long-term consumption," Chu concluded.
The study is published by PLOS-One, the Public Library of Science.
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