A study has revealed that two toxic chemicals can form when propylene glycol - the main ingredient in most vape fluids - is heated, and that these compounds can harm human lung cells.
While the two chemicals - methylglyoxal and acetaldehyde - are already known to be harmful in other settings, their impact during vaping has not been well understood until now, said the University of California researchers.
Using lab-grown human airway tissue, the team exposed cells to realistic levels of each compound and monitored how the cells responded.
Both chemicals disrupted essential cell functions, but methylglyoxal caused greater damage at much lower concentrations, in particular relating to mitochondria.
"These changes are signs of stress and injury that could contribute to long-term health problems if repeated during vaping," said senior author Professor Prue Talbot.
Acetaldehyde has received more attention in the past because it appears in higher amounts in e-cigarette vapor and is a known component of cigarette smoke linked to lung disease, Professor Talbot noted.
"However, our results suggest that methylglyoxal may be even more toxic to airway cells, despite appearing in smaller quantities," she said.
Read the paper HERE.
Meanwhile, the Maldives has become the first country in the world to ban tobacco for an entire generation, with new legislation taking effect from last week.
Anyone born on or after 01 Jan 2007 is now banned from buying, using or being sold cigarettes or tobacco products in the country.
People born before the date can still purchase tobacco and cigarettes, but are banned from smoking in a list of public places, including workplaces, cinemas, restaurants and public transport.
The country already has a full ban on the import, sale and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices for people of all ages, including tourists, and anyone caught using a vape can be fined 5,000 rufiyaa (about A$500).
"Other countries have considered or attempted a similar initiative, including New Zealand, which implemented a ban, then had it repealed in 2023," said a statement from the Republic of Maldives' Ministry of Health.
A Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the UK is currently in the works and would ban products for anyone born after 01 Jan 2009.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 13 Nov 25
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