American study: E-cigarettes harm brain development

A new study shows that teens who use e-cigarettes may be at greater risk of exposure to toxic metals, which may harm brain development.

The research team analyzed the results of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study, which included American adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 years.

Of the 200 teens, 81 reported frequent e-cigarette use, 65 reported occasional use, and 45 reported occasional use.

The researchers evaluated urine biomarkers for the presence of the minerals lead, uranium, and cadmium.

The study found that frequent and intermittent e-cigarette users had higher levels of lead in their urine than those who smoked e-cigarettes occasionally.

Frequent use also led to high levels of uranium in the urine.

The study also revealed that different e-cigarette flavors affected uranium levels, Nottinghamshire Live reports.

The research team warned, "Sweet flavors may pose an additional risk of uranium exposure. E-cigarette use during adolescence may increase the likelihood of exposure to the metal, which may negatively affect brain and organ development."

Meanwhile, the researchers explained that uranium found in urine could also come from certain environmental or food sources. 

The findings have sparked calls for more research, stricter regulations on vaping, and public health initiatives aimed at reducing the potential risks of e-cigarettes, especially for young people.

Professor Leon Shehab, co-director of the Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group at UCL, commented on the importance of the study, saying: “This is a well-conducted study that underscores the need to monitor e-cigarette users’ exposure to toxic substances, and highlights the fact that e-cigarettes are not risk-free and therefore should not "Use by people who have never smoked, especially teenagers."