Scientists warned about the deadly danger of vapes

Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) discovered that vapes confiscated from schoolchildren contain nicotine, alcohol, as well as traces of bacteria and fecal contamination. According to the study authors, these findings indicate a widespread problem - the distribution of illegal and dangerous devices among adolescents.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to foreign media, the work was conducted by a team led by Professor Michelle Peace from the VCU Forensic Toxicology Research Laboratory. During the 2024-2025 academic year, specialists collected and analyzed nearly 1300 electronic cigarettes confiscated from schools in Virginia.

"Our research shows what substances children actually have access to and helps understand their preferences," Peace explained. "Vaping poses a serious threat to public health and adolescent safety."

Of particular concern to scientists was the discovery of bacteria, yeast, and coliforms - signs of fecal contamination - not only in the liquid but also in the aerosol inhaled by the user. In several samples, the concentration of microorganisms exceeded permissible standards, which can lead to infections and inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract.

Medical experts emphasize that exposure to nicotine and toxic substances during adolescence, when the brain is actively developing, increases the risk of addiction formation and cognitive impairment.

Among the side effects noted are cough, shortness of breath, dizziness, chronic respiratory irritation, and lung damage. Additionally, VCU research results show that the physiological age of vapers may be ten years older than their actual age.

Although vaping is often presented as a safer alternative to smoking, scientists warn: such devices carry no less danger.

"It took decades to study the effects of smoking. It will take just as long to fully understand the risks associated with vaping," Michelle Peace concluded.