Study: Vaping Disrupts Vascular System, Oxygen Levels

Facts

According to a new study presented at the Radiological Society of North America's annual meeting, vaping, even without nicotine, immediately reduces vascular function. It also decreases venous oxygen saturation, indicating less oxygen uptake by the lungs.^[1]
The study, which was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania but not yet published in a peer-reviewed journal, showed that while nicotine vapes, or e-cigarettes, had the largest impact on vascular health, non-nicotine variants also caused measurable harm.^[1]^[2]
31 healthy smokers and vapers aged 21 to 49 underwent MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) before and after using cigarettes, nicotine vapes, and non-nicotine vapes. Researchers then compared their blood flow velocity in the femoral artery and oxygen saturation to 10 non-smokers or vapers.^[2]^[3]
The study further found that while vapes don't contain the same cancer-causing chemicals as traditional cigarettes, they do contain chemicals such as lead, nickel, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, and glycerin.^[4]
The study's lead author said the study's team is "relying on science to help guide the regulation of such products in favor of public health," and that "Refraining from smoking and vaping is always recommended."^[2]^[5]

Narrative A, as provided by ES Cardio and AHA Journals. While scientists have unfortunately failed to give as much attention to vaping as it does smoking, the research still indicates that the negatives outweigh the positives — particularly regarding impaired vascular function, oxidative stress, and increased addiction risk among youth. Governments must ban or heavily regulate vaping products to prevent an epidemic of addiction and long-term health consequences.
Narrative B, as provided by Suffolk County Council and NHS. While vapes must be kept out of the hands of children and non-smokers to prevent nicotine addiction and long-term health risks, they still remain a helpful tool for adults attempting to quit smoking. E-cigarettes offer a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes as part of a harm-reduction strategy, and smokers deserve the right to make the switch as they work toward healthier habits.
Narrative C, as provided by Substack. While the health industry's push for safer alternatives — like marijuana and vapes over cigarettes or "mocktails" over alcohol — is well-intentioned, it often promotes antisocial, synthetic substitutes that lack the communal and experiential aspects of the original activities. Life is full of risk and reward trade-offs, and while perfect health is of course desirable, it shouldn't be the sole factor in life decisions.