Effect of E-Cigarettes on Cells

Research presented at the American Association for Cancer annual meeting in San Diego earlier this month showed that the use of electronic cigarettes alters gene expression in a similar way to tobacco. Bronchial cells from smokers at risk of lung cancer were cultured and exposed to e-cigarette vapors, and had their gene expression profiled afterward. Results showed that the cells grown in the e-cig vapors showed very similar expression patterns to the cells grown in the tobacco cultures. Though the patterns are not identical, the research team says it is enough to study whether the cells will start behaving like cancer cells. Though the scientists say that e-cigarettes may be safer than straight tobacco, they are certainly not benign.

Speaking as someone who doesn't smoke, I'm not crazy about the idea of tobacco, e-cigarettes, or anything related to smoking. I understand that the idea behind e-cigs is the elimination of secondhand smoke, which is a good concept. However, if this preliminary research continues and the effects of the vapor are as bad is the data shows, then I feel like the point if switching to e-cigs is lost. Though they eliminate the use of tobacco, they still liquidize nicotine, and it just doesn't seem worth it to me. I know people who smoke and it's no business of mine if they do, but I hope that the research continues so that we get more and more accurate information about the adverse effects.

Here is the original article.
Here is a link to more information about smoking and cancer.