Vaping More Than Doubles Risk of Serious Lung Disease, New Study Finds

The latest research shows vaping increases the probability of getting serious lung illness among individuals who have never smoked before. The longitudinal study from Oxford UniverVaping More Than Doubles Risk of Serious Lung Disease, New Study Findssity shows that vapers have a 2.29 times higher chance of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than nonsmokers. The research represents a breakthrough by showing specific health threats from vaping, which scientists could analyse without cigarette smoking. Respiratory physician Dr Stuart Jones emphasised the importance of the study’s findings.

"In many earlier studies, a lot of the participants who vaped had also been smokers, which blurred the data," he explained. "This is the first significant research showing clearly that vaping alone can lead to COPD."

While smoking remains more hazardous, with smokers being three to five times more likely to develop COPD, vaping is far from a safe alternative. The research also revealed that dual users, those who both vape and smoke, faced the highest risk of all.

"The issue with dual use is that smoking and vaping damage the lungs in different ways," said Dr Jones. "Combining both only multiplies the harm."

He stressed a simple public health message:

"If you don't smoke, don't start vaping. And if you vape, don’t pick up smoking."

The research contributes more evidence showing that vaping presents lasting health dangers. Health professionals continue to warn about the hazards of vaping, especially for adolescent users, along with nonsmokers.