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Topics: Health, Vaping, Science, UK News, World News
The world's first controlled study on the long-term effects vaping has on the body has revealed 'horrifying' results.
Vapes were first introduced as a way to help wean people off cigarettes, however, with their cute, colorful packages and fruity flavors, many who haven't even smoked before have ended up picking up the sticks and puffing away for hours every day - many arguing vapes aren't as bad for your health as smoking.
However, a study conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University is the world's first controlled study to dive into the long-term effects of vaping on the body and how it compares to smoking cigarettes.
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Set to conclude next month, Dr Maxime Boidin has since revealed what some of the results of the study have shown so far.
Prepare to drop that vape you're holding right now...
Taking place at the university's Institute of Sport, the study incorporated participants between the ages of 18 to 45 with similar levels of fitness.
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The study tested participants' blood - checking the elasticity of their blood vessels and how quickly blood flowed to their brains.
In the 12 hours before being tested, participants had to refrain from vaping, smoking and exercise and only consumed water.
And the study revealed pretty shocking results - particularly when it came to the Flow-mediated dilation (FMD).
Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) uses an ultrasound to look at the lining of the blood vessels by measuring the artery's response to blood flow.
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The study revealed participants who were either smokers and vapers had similar results to the test.
The FMD results showed a 'flat reading', which signals damaged artery walls.
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Blood flow tests also revealed both smokers and vapers had similarly bad blood flow.
Dr Boidin theorizes to the Mirror the damage is a result of nicotine - present in both vapes and cigarettes.
And the doctor also noted how vapes contain certain metals and chemicals such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine too.
Chemical flavourings can reportedly cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which can subsequently negatively impact arteries' walls.
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But what does this all risk?
Mayo Clinic explains: "Once the inner wall of an artery is damaged, blood cells and other substances may collect at the injury site. These substances build up in the inner lining of the artery.
"Over time, fats, cholesterol and other substances also collect on and in the walls of the heart arteries. This buildup is called plaque. Plaque can cause the arteries to narrow. Narrowed arteries can block blood flow. The plaque also can burst, leading to a blood clot."
Dr Boidin also warned poor blood flow can increase the risk of developing cognitive dysfunction, including dementia and the study is expected to reveal fitness levels can be impaired in young vapers.
Dr Boidin argued while even she thought 'at the beginning (of the study)' that 'vaping was more beneficial than smoking,' the study shows 'the dangers for someone who keeps vaping are no different from smokers' and 'when you put this mixture of metals and chemicals into your body you can’t expect nothing to happen'.
The doctor reflected smokers 'go outside and smoke' and once they finish a cigarette have to choose to 'light up another to keep going', but vapers can puff away without knowing when to stop. Vapers are also able to do so inside more easily - adding she expects many being 'horrified' to now 'know the truth'.
So, what's next?
Well, Dr Boidin recommends vapes should only be used to 'help people quit smoking' for 'a certain time' - as a 'transition tool' - and only be available on prescription from a doctor.
However, scientific spokesperson for the UK Vaping Industry Association, Dr Marina Murphy, dismissed the study’s findings, arguing 'millions' have been using vaping products 'safely' for 'many years' and other data suggests 'vapes are unlikely to exceed 5 percent of the health risks associated with cigarettes'.