Passive vaping doubles the occurrence of wheezing, bronchial symptoms, and shortness of breath in non-smokers, according to a new study by the University of Southern California. E-cigarettes, also known as vaporizers, have been marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes. However, recent studies have shown that they can also be harmful to health, damaging cells in the heart and blood vessels and increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction. The health effects of passive vaping have been largely unexplored until now.
The study followed 2,097 participants from 2014 to 2019, with an average age of 17.3 years at the start of the study. The prevalence of passive smoking from cigarette smoke decreased during the study period, from 27% in 2014 to 21% in 2019. However, the prevalence of passive e-cigarette smoking increased from 12% in 2014 to 16% in 2019. Wheezing, bronchial symptoms, and shortness of breath were all more common in participants who were regularly exposed to e-cigarette aerosols, with those who did not smoke themselves being particularly vulnerable.
The study’s authors suggest that passive vaping could have similar health effects to traditional cigarette smoke, with non-smokers experiencing wheezing and shortness of breath twice as often and bronchial symptoms three times as often as non-smokers who are not regularly exposed to e-cigarette aerosols. Those who both smoked and were exposed to passive vaping reported even higher rates of bronchial symptoms and shortness of breath. The study highlights the need for further research into the health effects of e-cigarettes, particularly for non-smokers who may be exposed to passive vaping.
In conclusion, the study provides evidence that passive vaping can have negative health effects, particularly for non-smokers. The prevalence of passive e-cigarette smoking is increasing, and the study’s authors suggest that it could have similar health effects to traditional cigarette smoke. The study highlights the need for further research into the health effects of e-cigarettes, particularly for non-smokers who may be exposed to passive vaping.
