Scientists warn smokers about these electronic cigarette flavors that are too dangerous

In 2023, a survey of Public health France
revealed that more than a third of adults aged 18 to 75 had already tested the electronic cigarette. Equipped with a battery, an atomizer and a liquid with multiple substances, it reproduces the sensations of classic cigarettes, without combustion or release of the carcinogenic substances smoke.

Considered less harmful, its long-term safety remains to be proven. Yet, 52.9% of respondents consider it as dangerous, or even more dangerous, than tobacco, and eight out of ten believe that it can cause cancer. In addition, in 2021, the French vaping market reached nearly 820 million eurosplacing France third in the world
after the United States and the United Kingdom. In Europe, according to the 2021 Eurobarometer, 6% of French people aged 15 and over vape, ranking just behind Ireland, well above the European average of 2%.

Electronic cigarette: the choice of e-liquid, a key issue for successful cessation

When a smoker opts for an electronic cigarette in the hope of gradual weaningsuccess relies on the precise choice of e-liquid and an adequate dosage of nicotine. These e-liquids, composed in particular of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and sometimes nicotine in varied doses, are also available in a multitude of aromass: menthol, fruit, coffee or spices, to meet the most diverse desires, as our colleagues at Version Femina.

However, the impact of these aromas when inhaled remains unclear, a central question that France Assos Santé
underlines : ” Although they are in common use, we currently do not know what their effect could be when inhaled: this is
the main uncertainty of the electronic cigarette. » The real issue therefore lies in the choice of e-liquid, much more than in the device, and also affects the nicotine content as inhaled flavors, the long-term effects of which remain to be elucidated.

The little-known danger of heated aromas in an electronic cigarette

So, although these substances are approved for the food industry, their impact when used
heated and inhaled remains largely unknown. The Ministry of Health indicates that today there are more
7,000 different flavorsand among them, some like the cinnamon, strawberry or menthol
attract particular attention.

The Stop Tabac website warns on the subject, specifying that “
studies reported increased cytotoxicity (destructive action of a substance on cells) and disruptions of pro-inflammatory biomarkers with certain aromas and a increased oxidative stress. »A recent study also warns against electronic cigarettes berry flavored.

The aromas of electronic cigarettes under the microscope of scientists

Published in the journal PNAS by researchers at McGill University, it demonstrates that these aromas could weaken the natural defenses of the lungsmaking it more difficult to fight infections. The study aimed to
compare the effects of electronic cigarettes flavored to those without flavors. In 2019, cases of lung damage in adolescents led Professor Ajitha Thanabalasuriar to expose mice to electronic cigarette vapor, observing their immune cells in real time. The team looked at alveolar macrophages, the cells responsible for ridding the lungs of harmful particles

The results showed that chemicals found in berry-flavored vapes could «
paralyze » these cellsmaking the body more vulnerable to respiratory infections, unlike flavorless vapes. Although all vaping can be harmful, this study confirms that added flavors worsen lung risks. The expert warns: “ We need to be careful about the types of flavors we use in these products. They may have adverse effects. I think that’s really the take-home message, especially for some of these vaping products that are marketed to young people: the way they’re sold, the type of container they’re sold in… it’s very colorful
so really appealing to kids and that can be a really bad thing. »

Precautions to take with electronic cigarettes according to the Ministry of Health

The study has nevertheless its limitsbeing based on animal models and a single flavor, which leads the researchers to conclude that “ further work is needed to identify the specific compounds present in berry-flavored vapes responsible for thealteration of immune cellss and to confirm whether the effects observed in mice also occur in humans. »

In 2022, 7.3% of adults in France reported vaping, including 5.5% daily, according to Santé Publique France. The Ministry of Health recommends a strictly regulated use
for smoking cessation in dependent smokers, with precautions on nicotine doses, labeling and safety, recommending against any mixture or addition of substances in e-liquids.