Two of the most popular e-cigarettes flavors are so damaging to cells they could destroy the lung function of vapers, a Harvard study warns. Popcorn and caramel – two widely used e-liquids – contain chemicals that wear down the lungs’ first line of defense.

Those who use these flavors may be more susceptible to lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Scientists at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health found the chemicals diacetyl and 2,3-pentandione may impair the function of cilia in the human airway.

Cilia are antennae-like protuberances that are present on 50 to 75 percent of the cells that line human airways. They play a key role in keeping the human airway clear of mucus and dirt and allow people to breathe easily and without irritation.

The study looked at the impact of flavouring chemicals in human epithelial cells, which are the type that line the lungs. Food processing workers are warned not to inhale the chemical flavors because they have been linked to ‘popcorn lung’ lung disease vapers are not.

Associate professor of environmental genetics and pathophysiology Quan Lu said: ‘Although chemicals used to flavor e-cigarettes are frequently used, little has been known about the mechanism of how they impact health.

The study suggests that these chemicals may be harming...

http://haleplushearty.org/2019/02/02/popcorn-and-caramel-vapes-raise-the-risk-of-respiratory-diseases/

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