Created in the early 2000s, electronic cigarettes vaporize nicotine (hence the name) instead of burning it, as happens with conventional cigarettes. As combustion releases a series of toxic and harmful products, the idea was that vapes serve as a less harmful alternative for smokers.
But that’s not what happened. Firstly, when introduced to vaping, users are more likely to switch to regular cigarettes than they would be if they had to go straight to it. Second, vape substances may be less harmful, but they are still unsafe.
A new study published in the journal Tobacco Control points out that frequent use of the device by teenagers can increase the risk of exposure to lead and uranium, potentially harming the development of the brain and other organs of the body.
According to the 2023 edition of Covitel, a report prepared by the Federal University of Pelotas, four million Brazilians have already tried some type of electronic cigarette. Among young people aged 18 to 24, 25% have smoked vapes. This is more than the percentage of people in the same age group who consume regular cigarettes regularly (12.1%).
In the USA, where the study was carried out, the numbers are also worrying: 14% of American high school students reported using vapes.
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Certain metals have been identified in e-cigarette aerosols and liquids. Its absorption is especially harmful during periods of development. Increased exposure is linked to cognitive impairments, behavioral disorders, respiratory complications, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
With this in mind, researchers tried to find out whether a greater frequency of vape use would be linked to higher levels of toxic metals.
They recruited 200 users as study participants, with an average age of 15 years. His urine samples were tested for the presence of cadmium, lead and uranium. The frequency of smoking was divided into occasional (1–5 days/month), intermittent (6–19 days) and frequent (20 days or more).
Of the 200 participants, 65 reported occasional use, 45 were classified as intermittent and 81 as frequent use. Nine volunteers were left without frequency information.
Analysis of urine samples showed that intermediate users had 40% higher lead levels than occasional smokers, while frequent smokers had 30% higher levels. This discrepancy was even greater for uranium levels: they were twice as high for frequent smokers as for occasional smokers.
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Of particular concern were the increased levels of uranium found in sweet flavored vapes such as chocolates, crème brûlée and cotton candy. Users of this type had levels of the element 90% higher than those who preferred mint or fruit flavors.
According to them, the sweet taste of these products can suppress the adverse effects of nicotine and increase its reinforcing effects, resulting in a stronger brain response or vape use and, potentially, more addiction.
“E-cigarette use during adolescence may increase the likelihood of metal exposure, which can negatively affect brain and organ development,” write the researchers. “These findings show the need for more research, regulation of vapes, and targeted public health interventions to mitigate the potential harms of e-cigarette use, especially among teens.”
In Brazil, the sale of electronic cigarettes has been banned since 2009. But there is no law that prevents their consumption.
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