Vaping 'Likely' Causes Lung and Oral Cancers, Major Review Concludes
A new global analysis, described as one of the most definitive assessments to date, has determined that vaping is likely to cause lung and oral cancers. The review, led by researchers at Australia's University of New South Wales, synthesised evidence from clinical studies, animal research, and laboratory data to reach this conclusion.
Comprehensive Evidence Points to Cancer Risk
Adjunct Professor Bernard Stewart, a cancer researcher at the university, stated, "Considering all the findings – from clinical monitoring, animal studies and mechanistic data – e-cigarettes are likely to cause lung cancer and oral cancer." He emphasised that this review represents the most authoritative determination yet that vapers face an increased cancer risk compared to non-users.
The analysis projected that these cancers could lead to approximately 138,140 deaths in the United States this year alone. This comes as recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 7% of Americans used e-cigarettes in 2024, highlighting the widespread use of these devices.
Chemical Composition and Biological Damage
The researchers identified numerous carcinogenic chemicals in e-cigarette aerosols, including volatile organic compounds and heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead. These substances can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, causing significant harm.
Key chemicals found include:
- Formaldehyde, a carcinogen and preservative
- Diacetyl, a food additive linked to lung disease
- Acrolein, a weed killer associated with respiratory issues
Studies reviewed showed that vaping is linked to inflamed tissue and oxidative stress, both indicators of DNA damage. Animal experiments demonstrated that vaping can cause lung tumours, while laboratory research revealed cellular damage and disrupted biological pathways connected to cancer development.
Consistent Findings Across Research Fields
UNSW Associate Professor Freddy Sitas noted, "The evidence was remarkably consistent across fields. It dictated an unequivocal finding now, though human studies that estimate the risk will take decades to accumulate." Despite this consistency, the researchers acknowledge that precise risk quantification will require longer-term human studies.
Previously, some experts argued that e-cigarettes had not been in use long enough to definitively link them to cancer. However, the biological mechanisms suggest otherwise. Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a pulmonary and critical care physician at Johns Hopkins Medicine, explained, "Biologically, damage is happening even if you cannot see negative effects right away. The inflammation is happening. And the concern is, we're creating the conditions that will lead to those diseases later."
Public Health Implications and Usage Trends
While traditional cigarette use has declined among U.S. adults, e-cigarette usage has risen. The CDC reports that e-cigarette aerosol contains fewer harmful chemicals than the 7,000 found in tobacco smoke, but it still poses significant risks. The agency explicitly states that e-cigarettes are not safe.
In contrast, smoking remains a major public health issue, with the American Cancer Society reporting 480,000 annual deaths in the U.S., many cancer-related. Projections indicate 124,990 lung cancer deaths this year from smoking alone.
The findings underscore the urgent need for continued research and public awareness about the potential dangers of vaping, particularly as its popularity grows among younger demographics.
