REVEALED: Cancer and other health issues an ‘inevitability’ for vapers, new study finds

A new study has found that the cocktail of ‘hazardous chemicals’ that make up flavoured vapes will ‘inevitably’ cause a ‘new wave of chronic diseases’.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has released a new report on the harmful substances that are produced when e-liquids in vaping devices are heated for inhalation.

The study, conducted by the Department of Chemistry in RCSI, found that the hazardous chemicals that comprise flavoured vapes include that of 127 classified as ‘acute toxic’, 153 as ‘health hazards’ and 225 as ‘irritants’. 

Health issues quoted as possibly arising due to prolonged use of flavoured vapes, particularly fruit or candy flavoured ones, include respiratory irritation, suspected genetic defects, cancer and damage to organs.

Lead author of the study Professor Donal O’Shea, said: “We wanted to understand, before it’s too late, the likely impact flavoured vapes are having on the health of the growing number of vapers. 

“Our findings indicate a significantly different profile of chemical hazards compared to what we are familiar with from traditional tobacco smoking.

“It is plausible that we are on the cusp of a new wave of chronic diseases that will emerge 15 to 20 years from now due to these exposures.” 

While the health implications remain largely unknown of vaping, the new report highlights the need for urgent public health policies in relation to vapes.