Smokers looking to cut down on their habit by vaping are being urged to avoid menthol e-cigarettes as they have been found to be 'more toxic' than other flavours.
A new study that has been published in Respiratory Research by American researchers found that the minty flavour generates more toxic microparticles compared to non-menthol vapes. These particles could be particularly harmful to those who already have weakened lungs through smoking cigarettes regularly.
Researchers found that menthol vapers took shallower breaths and had poorer lung function compared to non-menthol smokers - regardless of age and how long they had smoked for before.
"Many people, especially youth, erroneously assume that vaping is safe, but even nicotine-free vaping mixtures contain many compounds that can potentially damage the lungs," said senior author Kambez H. Benam, associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
"Just because something is safe to consume as food does not mean that it’s safe to inhale."
Scientists used a specially designed robotic system that mimics the mechanics of human breathing and vaping behaviour, as they deemed animal testing too much of a limitation.
They cross-analysed the machine's findings with a cohort of around 25 menthol vapers and 69 users of other vaping products who had also smoked cigarettes.
The researchers hope for future large-scale clinical studies, and urge people who don't yet smoke to keep away from the 'toxic' vapes.
"The main message that we want to put out there is for people, especially young adults, who haven’t smoked before," said Benam.
"Switching to e-cigarettes may be a better, safer alternative for someone who is trying to quit smoking regular tobacco products.
"But it's important to have full knowledge of e-cigarettes’ risks and benefits before trying them."
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