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A new research reveals that vaping is linked to pre-carcinogenic changes in the body
A study led by the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, found that vaping is likely to cause both lung and oral cancer.
The study, published in the journal Carcinogenesis on 31 March, analysed evidence from 2017 until 2025.
Adjunct Prof Bernard Stewart, a co-author of the study, noted that cells in the mouth and lungs are physically altered by inhaling e-cigarette vapour
"There is no doubt that the cells and tissues of the oral cavity, the mouth, and the lungs are altered by inhalation from e-cigarettes," Stewart said.
Because these devices have only been around since the early 2000s, researchers lack the decades of data needed to assess the full long-term impact on users.
Lead author Associate Prof Freddy Sitas compared the current situation to the 100-year delay it took for the world to officially link smoking to cancer
"We risk repeating that same fate with vaping if we don't take emerging research and warning signs seriously," added research fellow Calvin Cochran.
While vapes lack the smoke of traditional cigarettes, researchers argue they are dangerous enough to warrant immediate government action to protect non-smokers.
Tobacco control researcher Prof Becky Freeman said this study is the first of its kind to suggest that vaping causes adverse effects like cancer.
"This information is particularly important for young people who have never smoked. Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking for nonsmokers."
