New research links vaping to higher cancer risk

E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, according to new research reported by ORF. Vapes were long considered a less harmful alternative to conventional cigarettes, but that view is increasingly being challenged.

In a vape store in central Linz, products are available in flavours ranging from apple strudel and tobacco to cakes and fruit mixes, store manager Jakob Haslinger said.

Doctors are concerned about the ingredients and flavourings. In addition to nicotine, the liquids contain alcohols, glycerine and flavouring agents. The long-term effects of inhaling these substances have not yet been sufficiently researched, said pulmonologist Paul von Boetticher of Ordensklinikum Linz Elisabethinen hospital.

Not intended for beginners

Vape retailers primarily market the products as an alternative for smokers. Haslinger said smokers were their main target group and that switching to vaping was, in his view, less harmful than smoking conventional cigarettes.

Lung specialists take a more critical view. People who want to quit smoking should use medically approved products and receive accompanying therapies, von Boetticher said.

Young people also affected

Consumption is particularly problematic among young people. Although vaping is legal in Austria only from the age of 18, younger people are increasingly using the products.

According to von Boetticher, US studies show that young people who use e-cigarettes suffer more frequently from respiratory diseases. Among 12 to 17-year-olds, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia were found significantly more often.

Greatest risk from combined use

The risk is even greater when people use e-cigarettes in addition to conventional cigarettes rather than instead of them. Pulmonologists say this combination is particularly problematic and has been scientifically shown to be more harmful.

Lung cancer is also significantly more common among smokers, occurring about 20 times as often as among non-smokers. Adding e-cigarettes to conventional smoking increases the risk further, von Boetticher said.

Austria is also moving towards banning colourful disposable devices. Disposable vapes, whether or not they contain nicotine, are due to be banned by the end of the year.