Study discovers new way vaping could impact your body as warning is issued
Lucy Devine
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
A study has revealed how a new way of vaping could impact your health.
Although introduced as an alternative to smoking, the consequences of long-term vaping on our health are yet to be fully determined.
However, one piece of research, conducted by the University of Florida, has found that vaping with a specific attachment could have certain health risks.
The study, which examined a batch of disposable vapes, found that the mouthpiece attached to vapes could be breeding a harmful fungi.
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Scientists at the university discovered that over 50 percent of the vapes studied were colonised with the fungi, which could cause harmful effects.
Speaking to New Scientist, co-author Dr Jason Smith explained: "The residues left behind inside the vape device may provide a food source for moulds to grow."
The samples taken from the devices were also compared to each person's mouth to ensure that the fungi were from the mouthpiece of the vape.
The most common reported is a fungus called Cystobasidium minutum, which can lead to blood infections in those with a weakened immune system.
Researchers also argued that the contamination of vapes could lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is the name for a group of lung diseases causing breathing difficulties.
COPD includes a condition called emphysema, which is damage to the air sacs in the lung, as well as chronic bronchitis, which refers to long-term inflammation of the airways.
Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, a persistent cough and frequent chest infections, and persistent wheezing.
Lead author Dr Borna Mehrad said: "We found that the fungus that was most prevalent in the vape samples caused features of chronic bronchitis in mice."
As a result of the study, scientists are now urging those who use vapes to clean their mouthpieces to avoid the contamination of fungi.
Although studies into vaping are still only just beginning, some research has started to acknowledge the hidden dangers.
Meanwhile, one recent YouTube video has revealed exactly what happens when the chemicals from a vape enter the body.
Created by The Infographics Show, the video reveals how chemicals target the lungs and create a build-up of mucus in the alveoli, which we need for oxygen.
The simulation explains that the chemicals have a 'paralytic effect' on the lungs and the cilia, which takes weeks to recover from.
Once the cilia are damaged, medics say the body could be susceptible to more infections and illnesses.
Tragic reports continue to highlight horror stories of vaping, such as the teen who almost died from 'brain swelling' after sharing her vape on a night out, while one man had a one percent chance of survival after becoming addicted.