Horror as vaping research reveals deadly effects 'as bad as smoking cigarettes'

A groundbreaking new study suggests that vaping could be even more harmful to the body than traditional cigarettes, potentially increasing the risk of dementia, heart disease, and organ failure.

The study, led by Dr Maxime Boidin at Manchester Metropolitan University, challenges the prevailing belief that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking.

The NHS has long maintained that vaping is “substantially less harmful than smoking.”

However, Dr Boidin’s research, which is set to conclude in March, presents shocking findings that could change the conversation around e-cigarettes, the Mirror reported.

According to him, the continuous nature of vaping, unlike smoking, which requires regular breaks to light new cigarettes, makes it much easier for users to inhale excessive amounts of nicotine and other harmful substances.

“What we have found is that the dangers for someone who keeps vaping are no different from those for smokers,” Boidin stated.

“At the beginning of this study, I believed that vaping was more beneficial than smoking, but many people will be horrified to know the truth.”

The study involved participants aged 18 to 45 with similar fitness levels, who underwent stress tests to measure blood vessel elasticity and blood flow to the brain.

One of the most alarming results came from a mediated dilation (FMD) test, which revealed that both smokers and vapers showed a flat reading, indicating damaged artery walls that could lead to serious cardiovascular issues.

Further tests demonstrated that vaping impaired blood flow similarly to smoking, raising concerns about long-term risks of cognitive decline and dementia.

Dr. Boidin attributes these negative effects to inflammation caused by nicotine, along with the presence of metals and chemicals found in vaping liquids.

Compounds like propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and certain flavouring agents have been linked to oxidative stress, cell death, and damage to artery walls.

“When you put this mixture of metals and chemicals into your body, you can’t expect nothing to happen,” Boidin warned.

Since the introduction of e-cigarettes to the UK in 2005, vaping has surged in popularity. According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately 5.1 million people over the age of 16 vape, with the highest usage rates among young adults aged 16 to 24.

Alarmingly, one million people in England who vape have never been regular smokers, a sevenfold increase in just three years.

Despite emerging health concerns, Public Health England continues to maintain that vaping poses only a fraction of the risks associated with smoking.

However, recent high-profile cases have cast doubt on this stance. Hollyoaks star Paul Danan, 46, died earlier this year after suffering respiratory failure linked to excessive vaping, while other cases of collapsed lungs and fainting have been reported among heavy vapers.

The study’s participants have expressed shock at the findings. Adam Petrulevic, a 25-year-old strength and conditioning student, admitted that he vapes “without stopping.” Initially believing vaping was safer than smoking, he now consumes up to 3,500 puffs every three days.

“I take a puff every few minutes and only stop when I go to sleep,” Petrulevic said. “Now I know the truth, it’s definitely an incentive for me to stop.”

Another volunteer, a 33-year-old woman named Marine, started vaping three years ago as a way to quit smoking. However, she now vapes throughout the day, something she never did with cigarettes. “I’ve noticed that I’m out of breath more, and I feel that it’s not so good for my health,” she admitted. After seeing the results of the study, she decided to quit altogether.

The UK Government recently announced a ban on disposable vapes starting in June, citing concerns over their appeal to young users. However, Dr. Boidin believes further action is needed and has suggested that vapes should only be available by prescription.

“The only benefit of vaping is to help people quit smoking, but if they keep vaping, the result is going to be the same,” he warned. “We now know the long-term effects of vaping, and if we don’t act now, we will see a health emergency in the next 10 to 15 years.”

Labour MP Rachael Maskell echoed these concerns, stating: “This study adds to the body of evidence that vaping can cause significant harm. The government must take stricter measures to ensure that vapes are only accessible as a smoking cessation tool.”

However, the UK Vaping Industry Association has dismissed the study’s findings. Dr Marina Murphy, a spokesperson for the association, argued: “Millions of people have been using vaping products safely for many years. All available data suggests that vapes are unlikely to exceed 5% of the health risks associated with cigarettes.”

With conflicting views on the safety of vaping, this latest research could shift the public perception and regulatory approach to e-cigarettes. As the study’s full findings are released in the coming months, many will be watching closely to see whether vaping’s reputation as a “safer” alternative to smoking holds up under scrutiny.