Vapes as harmful as cigarettes, study warns

A significant study has cast doubt on the safety of e-cigarettes, suggesting they may be as dangerous as traditional cigarettes and possibly worse due to how they are used. This research emerges as the UK enforces a ban on disposable vapes, effective from February 7, 2026.

Dr. Maxime Boidin's two-year controlled study, to be presented at a conference in Rimini, Italy, in July, indicates that long-term vaping can lead to serious health issues. The findings suggest that vaping poses the same risks as smoking, increasing the likelihood of dementia, heart disease, and organ failure.

Dr. Boidin noted that continuous vaping, unlike smoking, makes it difficult to monitor consumption, potentially leading to greater harm. While the NHS has previously described nicotine vapor as substantially less harmful than smoking, this new research may prompt a reassessment of public health advice.

The ban on disposable vapes, which targets candy-flavored products popular with younger users, aims to reduce teenage vaping and environmental waste. However, Dr. Boidin argues that restrictions should extend to refillable vapes, advocating for them to be available by prescription only.

Volunteers in the study showed similar arterial damage and impaired blood flow between smokers and vapers, signaling future cardiovascular problems and cognitive dysfunction. The damage is attributed to nicotine inflammation and chemicals like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine found in e-cigs.

Despite previous advice suggesting vaping is far less risky than smoking, evidence suggests long-term effects are still being understood. Recent incidents, including a case of respiratory failure linked to excessive vaping, underscore ongoing concerns. The study's findings are expected to fuel calls for stricter regulations to prevent a potential future health crisis.