In France, approximately 2.5 million people use electronic cigarettes on a daily basis, mostly as a tool for smoking cessation. With nearly two decades of hindsight now, scientists agree that it is much less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

Effects on the Lungs: Is Vaping Harmless?

But is vaping harmless, especially for our lungs? Recent studies have provided some insights.

Dr. Thierry Urban's Opinion on the Long-Term Effects of Vaping

This is how an article from Figaro Santé starts, which discusses with Dr. Thierry Urban, a pulmonologist at the Angers University Hospital. With the hindsight we now have, scientists are also trying to learn more about the long-term effects of vaping.

Royal College of Physicians Report in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the Royal College of Physicians published a comprehensive report in April on the risks of electronic cigarettes. The authors concluded that "nicotine vaping is not associated with a high frequency of adverse health effects," while noting that studies of good quality are lacking to draw conclusions.

Toxicity of Flavors on Respiratory Cells

Laboratory experiments have shown that some flavors could have a toxic effect on respiratory cells through oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. However, this phenomenon is not observed in real life among users. Regarding the induction or exacerbation of asthma, allergies, or chronic obstructive pulmonary bronchitis, studies are not conclusive either.

Cancer Risk: a Debated Topic

What about the risk of cancer? Currently, no cases have been attributed to vaping. The risk seems logically much lower than with cigarettes: the numerous carcinogenic substances present in tobacco smoke do not exist (or exist at very low levels) in electronic cigarette vapor.

Effects on Gene Expression and DNA Methylation

But the risk cannot be ruled out. Some studies, for example, have shown that vaping could alter gene expression and DNA methylation, mechanisms that play a role in cancer development. However, other scientific studies have not observed such a phenomenon among vapers compared to non-vapers.

The Need for Future Long-Term Studies

Further long-term studies will be needed to settle this question. "There is no particular alarm, but we do not even have twenty years of hindsight," notes Dr. Thierry Urban, who points out that it takes 30 to 40 years before tobacco causes cancer.

Tolerance and Quality of Vaping Products

"We know that in the short and medium term, electronic cigarettes' tolerance is satisfactory, provided that good-quality products are used. And, in any case, it is always better to vape than to smoke," summarizes Dr. Urban, while reminding that vaping is not recommended for non-smokers. While the effects of electronic cigarettes are still debated, the harms of smoking are no longer in doubt, with 8 million deaths worldwide every year, including 75,000 in France.

Effectiveness of Electronic Cigarettes as a Smoking Cessation Aid

Very recently, two large-scale studies (Cochrane, New England Journal of Medicine) confirmed the effectiveness of electronic cigarettes for quitting smoking. "We now know that it is as effective as nicotine replacement therapies by patch or orally, or even more effective. And both can be used in parallel," says Thierry Urban.

Official Recommendations and Transitory Use

However, in France, it is not officially recommended for this purpose by health authorities. "As a pulmonologist, I do not advise against it if patients want to use it," specifies the doctor. But for the shortest period possible.

Short-Term Use and Gradual Reduction of Nicotine

"It can be used as a transitional aid, for six months to two years, by gradually reducing the nicotine concentration to zero. But we do not recommend vaping for years, because, again, we do not know the long-term effects."