Research reveals certain flavorings added to electronic cigarette liquid can affect the cells that comprise the lungs

May 18, 2015 11:25 GMT  ·  By
Investigation reveals electronic cigarettes can too negatively affect the lungs
   Investigation reveals electronic cigarettes can too negatively affect the lungs

Electronic cigarettes are marketed as a somewhat healthier alternative to regular smokes. The thing is that, according to a recent study, they aren't exactly what they're cracked up to be. 

On the contrary, evidence indicates that, just like run-of-the-mill cigarettes, electronic ones mess with the lungs as well. Specifically, scientists say that certain chemical compounds that they contain affect the cells that comprise these organs.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the American Thoracic Society International Conference, researchers detailed that these chemical compounds that have them worried about the potential adverse effects of electronic cigarettes are flavorings.

More precisely, the flavorings added to electronic cigarette liquid supposedly to make the smoking experience more enjoyable. Of the 13 flavorings put to the test as part of this investigation, as many as 5 were found to be potentially dangerous.

“In our study using human lung epithelial cells, a number of cell viability and toxicity parameters pointed to 5 of 13 flavors tested showing overall adverse effects to cells in a dose-dependent manner,” said researcher Temperance Rowell, as cited by EurekAlert.

The adverse effects reported in relation to these flavorings concerned cell viability, cell proliferation, and signaling. In not so many fancy words, the electronic cigarette flavorings were found to keep lung cells from working properly.

Since electronic cigarettes are steadily gaining ground these days, the scientists who conducted this study urge that their potential impact on people's health be more thoroughly researched.