The world’s inaugural controlled trial examining the prolonged impact of vaping on human health has uncovered some ‘terrifying’ findings.
Originally launched as a tool to help smokers quit, vapes have gained popularity thanks to their sleek designs and sweet, fruity aromas—drawing in many first-time users who never touched a cigarette, with some claiming vaping is far less harmful than traditional smoking.
But now, groundbreaking research out of Manchester Metropolitan University marks the first tightly regulated investigation into how vaping over time affects the human body, compared side-by-side with smoking tobacco.
Though the full analysis wraps up next month, Dr. Maxime Boidin has already shared early insights into the data gathered so far.
You might want to rethink that puff you’re about to take…
The Research
Held at the university’s Institute of Sport, the trial involved individuals aged 18 to 45 with comparable physical fitness levels.
Researchers analyzed the participants’ blood—focusing on how elastic their vessels were and how efficiently blood reached their brains.
Twelve hours prior to testing, volunteers had to avoid vaping, smoking, any physical activity, and were only allowed to drink water.
The results were nothing short of alarming—especially in relation to a measure known as Flow-mediated dilation (FMD).
Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) involves ultrasound imaging to examine vessel linings by observing how arteries respond to blood flow.
The Results
The research showed that both smokers and vapers had nearly identical outcomes on the tests.
FMD readings came back ‘flat’, a worrying indicator of arterial wall damage.
Circulatory assessments also confirmed poor blood flow in both groups.
Speaking to The Mirror, Dr. Boidin suggests nicotine—found in both products—is likely the culprit.
He also pointed out that vapes include metals and compounds like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.
Flavoring chemicals, reports suggest, may trigger inflammation and oxidative stress that harms artery walls.
So what are the potential health consequences of all this?
Health dangers
Mayo Clinic notes: “When an artery’s inner lining is harmed, blood cells and other materials can stick to the area. Over time, these materials build up inside the artery wall.
“Eventually, fats, cholesterol, and debris also gather in heart arteries. This buildup—called plaque—can narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow. Plaque may also rupture, causing clots to form.”
Dr. Boidin further warned that reduced blood flow could raise the chance of brain-related issues like dementia, and early results suggest young vapers may see a drop in their fitness levels.
She admitted that even she believed “at the start of the research” that “vaping might be safer than smoking,” but now says the findings prove “the risks for regular vapers are on par with smokers,” and that “inhaling this mix of metals and chemicals is bound to have consequences.”
She pointed out that smokers usually “step outside for a smoke” and must choose to “light another to continue,” but vapers can use their device constantly—often indoors—without limits. She added that many will likely be “shocked” to finally “learn the reality.”
So, what’s Next?
What’s next?
According to Dr. Boidin, vapes should strictly be used to “help people stop smoking” over “a limited period”—as a “stepping stone”—and ideally only provided via prescription.
But Dr. Marina Murphy, a science advisor for the UK Vaping Industry Association, rejected the study’s claims, saying “millions” have used vape products “safely” for “several years,” adding that other research shows “vaping poses less than 5 percent of the health risk linked to cigarettes.”
