Vaping, often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, is gaining traction globally, including in India, where it remains banned.

New studies have now shown that vaping has immediate effects on the body’s vascular health, even when the e-cigarette does not contain nicotine.

Most people quit smoking and start vaping because of nicotine addiction. According to the American Lung Association, the liquid used in a vape contains chemicals such as nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, flavors and flavor carriers, among other substances.

However, researchers now point out that even if a vape, an electronic device for breathing mist into the lungs, does not contain nicotine, it still has negative effects on the body.

A study presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago revealed that steam affects blood flow and the level of oxygen in the body.

The researchers found a significant decrease in resting blood flow velocity in the femoral artery and reduced venous oxygen saturation after vaping. This indicates that vaping, like traditional smoking, can reduce the lungs’ ability to absorb oxygen.

Dr. Marianne Nabbout, lead author of the study, pointed out that while vaping may expose users to fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes, it is far from risk-free. “The acute effects of vaping can manifest immediately in the body’s vascular systems. Long-term use could lead to vascular disease,” she noted.

VAPING TRENDS IN INDIA

About 27% of India’s population consumes tobacco in some form, making the country the largest tobacco market globally due to its vast population.

while India banned the sale of e-cigarettes in 2019 to curb the growing trend of vaping among youth, the practice persists through illegal channels and online platforms.

The ban sought to address concerns about nicotine addiction and the appeal of flavored e-cigarettes, particularly to younger populations. However, application remains a challenge and steam devices are still affordable.

A study titled “Teenagers and Electronic Cigarettes in India: A Qualitative Study of Perceptions and Practices”, published by the National Library of Medicine in September 2022 highlighted the vaping culture among teenagers.

It revealed that e-cigarettes are often seen as relatively harmless due to a lack of awareness of their harmful health effects.

“Initiation was influenced by a friend, peer or sibling. A variety of flavors, the aftertaste, the ability to do playful tricks with the smoke, and the fun time spent with friends were cited as reasons for continued use,” the study states. .

Globally, studies show a sharp rise in vaping among ex-smokers, with many using it as a tool to quit traditional cigarettes.

In England, one in five ex-smokers reported vaping in 2024, a figure largely driven by the availability of disposable e-cigarettes. In India, where tobacco use is already a significant public health problem, vaping adds another level of concern.

IMPACT ON FERTILITY

Although vaping poses a threat to the lungs and blood vessels, it also affects reproductive health.

Dr. Chandana Narayana, senior consultant at Kinder Hospitals, Bangalore, warned of the long-term health impact of vaping. “Prolonged use of vapor devices not only affects the respiratory system, but also serious repercussions on reproductive health,” she told IndiaToday.in.

In men, vaping can decrease sperm quality, further affecting fertility. For women, the endocrine-disrupting chemicals in vaping liquids can lead to irregular periods and pregnancy complications.

“Women trying to get pregnant or who are already pregnant are advised to avoid vaping entirely because of potential risks such as growth restriction and ovulatory dysfunction,” said Dr. Narayana.

Despite the ban, awareness about the dangers of vaping remains low in India, the expert added.

Public health experts stress the need for education and stricter enforcement of regulations.