Researchers have traditionally concentrated on the potential of vaping as a precursor to smoking, but there has been less scrutiny regarding whether vaping devices might independently lead to cancer.
Illicit markets have flourished, with vapes being distributed nationwide, including to underage users.
According to study co-author Associate Professor Freddy Sitas, evidence is mounting that individuals using e-cigarettes as a cessation tool are not always successful in quitting traditional cigarettes.
“Many who turn to e-cigarettes in hopes of quitting smoking find themselves in a ‘dual-use-limbo,’ unable to let go of either habit,” Sitas noted.
“Recent epidemiological data from the USA indicates that individuals who both vape and smoke face a four-fold increased risk of developing lung cancer,” he added.
Sitas and Stewart caution against postponing regulatory measures on vaping, drawing parallels to the historical oversight of smoking’s deadly health implications, which were ignored for almost a century.
Sitas and Stewart warned against delaying action on vapes, saying early warning signs of lethal health risks were similarly ignored over smoking for nearly a century.
“Early reports linked smoking to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, followed by cardiovascular disease, stroke and lung cancer,” Sitas said.
“E-cigarettes were introduced about 20 years ago. We should not wait another 80 years to decide what to do.”
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