Vaping Side Effects: It Could Stunt Brain Growth in Teenagers Because of Toxic Chemicals
Vaping has long been a topic of concern, but the focus has often been on immediate risks like lung collapse or heart issues. However, a new study suggests there might be a more insidious danger lurking in the clouds of vapor: toxic chemicals that could stunt the brain growth of teenagers.
Read also: E-cigarettes and Health: A Comprehensive Review of Evidence on Vaping
Children as young as four have ended up in hospitals with vape-related conditions, a testament to how vaping has become a pervasive issue, often termed a ‘youth epidemic.’ According to an Action on Smoking and Health survey, roughly 15% of children aged 11 to 15, and over a third of 16 to 17-year-olds in the UK, have tried vaping.
The situation has become so dire that some schools, like one in Scotland, have had to install vape alarms in their toilets to prevent students from vaping between classes.
Now, a new study suggests that vaping could be hampering the growth of teenagers’ brains and other vital organs due to higher levels of toxic chemicals found in their bodies.
Published in the Tobacco Control journal, the study warns that vapes contain metals like lead and uranium, which are not only carcinogenic but could also impede brain and organ development in young users.
Lead and uranium, typically associated with serious health issues like cancer, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular diseases, are particularly concerning for teenagers whose bodies are still developing.
Read also: UK Government to Ban Disposable Vapes in a Bid to Safeguard Children’s Health
The study, led by Dr. Hongying Daisy Dai of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, found that sweet-flavored vapes had the highest levels of the radioactive chemical uranium. Uranium, used in the production of nuclear power and weaponry, is a known hazard to human health.
“Vaping in early life could increase the risk of exposure to metals, potentially harming brain and organ development,” Dr. Dai stated. She emphasized the need for regulations to protect young people from addiction and exposure to such harmful substances.
The research involved testing the urine of 200 exclusive teenage vapers for the presence of cadmium, lead, and uranium. The findings were alarming: levels of these toxic metals were significantly higher in frequent vapers aged 13 to 17 compared to occasional users.
The study also examined the impact of different vape flavors. It found that uranium levels were 90% higher in vapers who preferred sweet flavors over menthol or mint. This suggests that the flavoring agents used in vapes might play a role in exacerbating the health risks associated with vaping.
However, the study did acknowledge its limitations. Being observational, it cannot definitively establish a causal link between toxic metal levels and vaping frequency or flavors. Additionally, variations in metal levels are likely influenced by different vape brands and types. At the moment most popular brands are: Vaporesso XROS 3 (Pod System), SMOK Nord 5 (Pod Vape), Air Factory NTN Disposable Vape (Disposable), Innokin Innobar 8000 (Disposable Vape), Innokin Arcfire (Pod System), Innokin Endura Apex (Vape Pen), Elf Bar BC5000 (Disposable), Geekvape Wenax H1 (Pod Vape). Well known in the UK are also: Yolo, Lost Marry, Found Marry, Crystal.
Dr. Dai stressed the importance of further research, stricter vaping regulations, and targeted public health interventions, especially aimed at adolescents.
“These findings call for further research, vaping regulation, and targeted public health interventions to mitigate the potential harms of e-cigarette use, particularly among adolescents,” Dr. Dai emphasized.
While vaping has often been touted as a safer alternative to smoking, particularly for adults trying to quit, the evidence is mounting that it poses serious risks, especially for young users. From lung collapse to potential brain and organ development issues, the allure of vaping may be far outweighed by its hidden dangers.
