Vaping, often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, is gaining traction globally, including in India, where it remains banned.
New studies have now revealed that vaping has immediate effects on the body’s vascular health, even when the e-cigarette does not contain nicotine.
Most people get off smoking and take up vaping because of nicotine addiction. According to the American Lung Association, the liquid used in a vape contains chemicals like nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine, flavourings and aroma transporters, among other substances.
However, researchers are now pointing out that even if a vape, an electronic device to breathe 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 vaping affects blood flow and oxygen levels in the body.
Researchers found a significant decrease in the resting blood flow velocity in the femoral artery and reduced venous oxygen saturation after vaping. This indicates that vaping, like traditional smoking, can lower the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen.
Dr. Marianne Nabbout, the study’s lead author, highlighted 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 potentially lead to vascular diseases,” she noted.
VAPING TRENDS IN INDIA
Around 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 rising trend of vaping among youth, the practice persists through illegal channels and online platforms.
The ban aimed to address concerns about nicotine addiction and the appeal of flavoured e-cigarettes, particularly to younger populations. However, enforcement remains a challenge, and vaping devices are still accessible.
A study titled ‘Adolescents and E-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 adolescents.
It revealed that e-cigarettes are often seen as relatively harmless due to a lack of awareness about their harmful health effects.
“Initiation was influenced by a friend, peer or sibling. A variety of flavours, the after-taste, the ability to perform playful tricks with the smoke, and fun time spent with friends were cited as reasons for continued use,” the study mentioned.
Globally, studies show a sharp rise in vaping among former 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 driven largely by the availability of disposable e-cigarettes. In India, where tobacco consumption is already a significant public health issue, vaping adds another layer of concern.
IMPACT ON FERTILITY
While vaping does pose a threat to the lungs and the blood vessels, it also affects reproductive health.
Dr. Chandana Narayana, Senior Consultant at Kinder Hospitals, Bangalore, warned of the long-term health impacts of vaping. “Prolonged use of vaping devices not only affects the respiratory system but also has severe repercussions on reproductive health,” she told IndiaToday.in.
In men, vaping can decrease sperm quality, further affecting fertility. For women, endocrine-disrupting chemicals in vaping liquids can lead to irregular periods and complications during pregnancy.
“Women trying to conceive or already pregnant are advised to avoid vaping entirely due to potential risks such as growth restrictions 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.