Vaping has been marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, but new evidence challenges this assumption with startling revelations. Dr Maxime Boidin, leading the first controlled study globally on the long-term impacts of vaping at Manchester Metropolitan University, which is expected to finish in March, told The Mirror that the dangers for vapers could be even greater.

The findings suggest that vaping, often seen as a healthier option, may be as damaging as smoking itself, particularly when used beyond a short transitional period. This breakthrough research is sparking urgent calls for stricter regulations and a re-evaluation of how vaping products are marketed and consumed.

Dr Maxime Boidin a senior lecturer in cardiac rehabilitation at Manchester Metropolitan University – whose study concludes in March – told the Mirror: “Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a cigarette is finished they have to light up another to keep going.

“But with vapes, you just keep going and it’s much harder to know how many puffs you’ve had.”

“It’s much easier to vape continuously because you can do it in places where smoking might be less acceptable.”

He added that he believed the mixture of metals and chemicals found in vapes can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to artery inner wall damage and cell death.

Dr Boidin added: “What we have found is the dangers for someone who keeps vaping are no different from smokers. At the beginning (of the study) I also believed that vaping was more beneficial than smoking”

“You see a lot more people vaping these days because they don’t think it’s too bad. Many will be horrified to know the truth.”

The study focused on the physiological effects of vaping and traditional smoking, particularly on cardiovascular health and cognitive function. Researchers examined individuals aged 18 to 45, with an average age of 27, all of whom had similar fitness levels and physical activity habits. The participants were instructed to refrain from vaping, smoking, exercising, or consuming anything other than water for 12 hours prior to testing. This ensured a controlled environment for assessing the potential effects of nicotine-containing devices.

Tests revealed an alarming similarity between the vascular systems of smokers and vapers. Both groups exhibited impaired blood flow and reduced elasticity in their blood vessels. These issues increase the risk of developing severe health conditions such as heart disease, organ damage, and cognitive decline, including dementia. The implications are stark: the physiological damage caused by vaping mirrors that of traditional smoking, contradicting the widespread belief that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative.

Nicotine, the primary active ingredient in most vaping products, is directly linked to these adverse outcomes. This highly addictive substance not only affects the cardiovascular system but also poses risks to brain development, particularly in younger users.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the human brain continues to develop until approximately age 25. Nicotine exposure during this critical period can hinder brain maturation and contribute to cognitive dysfunction. For adolescents and young adults drawn to vaping due to its alluring flavours and sleek packaging, the consequences could be devastating.

The rise in youth vaping is especially concerning. Flavours mimicking sweets and fruits have made these products appealing to younger demographics, leading to what some experts describe as an emerging public health crisis. Many users fail to realise that these seemingly harmless devices deliver significant amounts of nicotine, fostering dependence and potentially leading to long-term health problems. Moreover, studies have begun linking vaping to worsening mental health symptoms, including heightened depression and anxiety.

The findings have prompted researchers to call for stricter measures to regulate e-cigarette sales and usage. One proposed solution is limiting access to vaping products through medical prescriptions. Such a measure would ensure that e-cigarettes serve their intended purpose as a short-term smoking cessation tool rather than becoming a lifelong habit. Experts argue that without immediate intervention, the long-term effects of vaping could culminate in a public health emergency within the next decade or two.

Public health agencies continue to maintain that vaping poses only a fraction of the risks associated with smoking. However, mounting evidence suggests that this narrative may need revisiting. While e-cigarettes may indeed offer a less harmful alternative for smokers transitioning away from tobacco, their prolonged use appears to carry its own set of significant risks. The balance between the benefits of harm reduction and the potential for new health crises must be carefully navigated.

One notable aspect of the study was its focus on blood flow to the brain. Impaired blood circulation in this region can have far-reaching consequences, including an increased risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions like dementia. The research underscores the importance of understanding not just how vaping affects the lungs or heart but also its impact on mental and cognitive health. These findings challenge the perception that e-cigarettes are merely a “lesser evil” compared to traditional smoking.

Additionally, there are concerns about how vaping is marketed to consumers. The vibrant packaging and enticing flavours may downplay the seriousness of nicotine addiction and its long-term effects. Public education campaigns aimed at highlighting the risks associated with e-cigarettes could play a crucial role in curbing their appeal, particularly among younger audiences.

Preventive measures are also being discussed at the policy level. Some experts advocate for more stringent labelling requirements on vaping products, similar to those mandated for traditional cigarettes. Clear warnings about the potential health risks could serve as a deterrent for new users while encouraging existing users to transition away from nicotine altogether.

Another critical point raised by scientists is the need for long-term studies on vaping’s health effects. While this particular study provides valuable insights into its immediate impacts on vascular and cognitive function, questions remain about its broader implications over time. Comprehensive research is essential for shaping effective public health policies and ensuring that individuals have access to accurate information about the risks they face.

The debate around vaping highlights a broader challenge in public health: balancing harm reduction with prevention. While e-cigarettes may offer an effective tool for helping smokers quit, their potential to cause harm when used indiscriminately cannot be ignored. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers must work collaboratively to address these challenges and develop strategies that prioritise public well-being.

As awareness grows about the risks associated with vaping, individuals are encouraged to make informed choices about their health. For those struggling with nicotine addiction, seeking professional guidance can help navigate the complexities of quitting while minimising harm. At the same time, broader societal efforts are needed to shift perceptions around vaping and ensure that its use aligns with evidence-based recommendations.

The latest research paints a sobering picture of vaping’s impact on human health. Far from being a harmless alternative to smoking, e-cigarettes appear to pose similar risks when used over an extended period. The findings serve as a wake-up call for both individuals and public health authorities, emphasising the urgent need for regulation, education, and further research. As society grapples with this emerging issue, one thing is clear: vaping is not as innocuous as it seems.