A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh has found that e-cigarette liquids containing menthol release more toxic micro-particles that can impair lung function. The study used a new vaping robot to analyze the health effects of different e-cigarette liquids. The robot simulated human breathing and vaping behavior to determine that menthol-containing e-cigarette liquids produce more toxic micro-particles than those without menthol. The study also analyzed patient data from e-cigarette users, which showed that those who consumed menthol-containing e-cigarettes had shallower breaths and worse lung function compared to those who smoked e-cigarettes without menthol.
The results of the study suggest that vaping is more dangerous than previously thought, even for those who consume nicotine-free vape mixtures. The study also confirms previous research that found e-cigarette liquids without nicotine can be harmful to human health. Although more extensive clinical studies are needed, the current investigation suggests that menthol additives may be just as risky as vitamin E acetate, which has been linked to lung damage in e-cigarette and vaporizer users.
The new vaping robot developed by researchers can provide faster and more reliable results than traditional toxicity tests that rely on animal or cell cultures. The robot can simulate healthy and unhealthy breathing patterns and predict lung toxicity associated with e-cigarettes. The device can also measure the size and number of aerosol particles produced by e-cigarettes and how these parameters change depending on the composition of the liquid. The results of the study highlight the importance of informing people, especially young adults who have never smoked, about the risks and benefits of e-cigarettes before trying them.
