The dangers of e-cigarettes: A French study warns of DNA damage
In a remarkable development that undermines prevailing beliefs about the safety of smoking alternatives, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) issued a strongly worded warning regarding the use of electronic cigarettes , calling for their use to be restricted to the narrowest possible extent, specifically to traditional smokers who are seriously considering quitting tobacco, while emphasizing the need to stop using them afterward.
A comprehensive scientific review reveals the hidden truth
This warning did not come out of thin air; it was based on a massive scientific effort. The authority assembled a team of 14 specialized experts who meticulously reviewed and examined 2,864 documented scientific studies and international reports. This thorough review, the results of which were announced on Wednesday, revealed shocking facts concerning the health safety of these devices that have flooded global markets.
In a statement to AFP, Benoît Labarbe, head of the tobacco product evaluation unit at the agency, confirmed that scientific research has proven beyond any doubt that e-cigarettes “carry serious health risks,” because they essentially involve inhaling harmful chemicals that enter directly into the lungs.
Mechanism of damage: toxins and heavy metals
The danger of e-cigarettes lies in their mechanism of action and their components. The health risks are not limited to nicotine; they are also linked to the repeated inhalation of toxic substances generated during the heating of the liquid. Studies have shown that the heating process transforms the liquid's components (such as propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorings) into new, harmful compounds, and the devices themselves may release heavy metals due to corrosion of the heating elements.
Labarb stressed the need to “completely ban e-cigarettes for non-smokers, especially young people and teenagers who are very attracted to the fruit flavors and sweet tastes promoted by manufacturers,” noting that these products may be a gateway to nicotine addiction rather than a means of quitting.
DNA damage and heart threat
For his part, pharmacist Thibault Mansuy, coordinator of the specialized review, revealed alarming details regarding the effects of the fumes at the cellular level. He explained that substances such as aldehydes, which are formed during heating, bind to respiratory tissues and cause direct damage. He added, warning, "If this damage is repeated over time, the tissues face extreme difficulty in repairing themselves properly.".
Perhaps the most alarming finding of the report is the detection of cellular changes that can lead to DNA damage, potentially creating a carcinogenic environment within the body. Studies have also confirmed potential adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, including heart rate disturbances and high blood pressure, which, in the long term, could lead to chronic heart disease, regardless of whether the liquid contains nicotine.
The global context and stance on e-cigarettes
This French report reinforces growing global concerns about e-cigarettes. While these products have been marketed for years as a 95% safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, health authorities worldwide are reconsidering this figure as scientific evidence mounts regarding their long-term effects. Experts point out that the absence of combustion does not mean the absence of harm, and that inhaling hot chemical vapors remains an unnatural behavior for the human respiratory system.
