Doctor reveals the 'horrifying truth' about vaping as first controlled study ends
Dr Maxime Boidin has concluded the first controlled study into the long-term effects of vaping.
As of today, June 1, disposable vapes are banned in the UK. This was decided by the UK government in a bid to deter young people and children from vaping, and to protect the environment.
However, with refillable vapes still available, one expert has said that Britain is sleepwalking into a "health emergency" after he conducted the first controlled study into the damage that e-cigarettes are having on vapers' bodies.
Dr Maxime Boidin, senior lecturer in Cardiac Rehab at Manchester Metropolitan University, has spent the last two years monitoring the long-term effects that vapes are having on their users. This was done by comparing the health of a group of vapers with that of non-vapers and cigarette smokers, reports the Mirror.
From the study, Dr Boidin revealed that he was most shocked about the damage he saw to vapers' arteries. This damage could be taken as an almost certain sign that users will develope cardiovascular problems and even organ failure in the future.
His overall conclusion was that vaping may be more dangerous to the body than using cigarettes. He suggested that long-term users may be at risk of developing serious illnesses, such as dementia and heart disease.
Dr Boidin has said that the new ban on disposable vapes is a "step in the right direction", but he does believe that all vapes should be banned from shops and made only available on prescription.
In July, Dr Boidin is set to present his findings at the Manchester Metropolitan University at a sport science conference in Rimini, Italy.
Speaking to the Mirror, he said: "These products primarily target younger individuals, whereas older adults tend to use refillable options. From a health perspective, the ban should reduce access among the younger population, as refillable vapes are generally more expensive and less accessible.
"From an environmental standpoint, we frequently see single-use vapes - and their packaging - littering pavements..
"In the end, the ban is a step in the right direction, but it represents only a small part of the broader educational and cultural change that's needed."
Starting today, it is illegal for businesses in the UK to sell or supply vapes both in-store and online. If a supplier is caught selling vapes, they will receive punishments such as fines and prison sentences.
While the NHS described inhaling nicotine vapour from E-cigarettes as "substantially less harmful than smoking", Dr Boidin believes the health threat to vapers is even worse. This is because of how much harder it is to control.
He said: "Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a cigarette is finished they have to light up another to keep going. But with vapes, you just keep going and it's much harder to know how many puffs you've had. It's much easier to vape continuously because you can do it in places where smoking might be less acceptable."
Through his monitoring of the different groups - who were aged between 18 and 45 and had similar levels of physical activity - Dr Boidin was shocked to discover that vapers and smokers had similar levels of damage to their arteries.
Every volunteer was given a stress test to measure the elasticity of their blood vessels and speed the blood flowed to their brains. 12 hours prior to the test, the participants only consumed water and stopped vaping, smoking and exercising.
After a mediated dilation test (FMD), Dr Boidin found that vapers and smokers had damaged the artery walls so they could no longer dilate to allow blood to flow through. Blood flow in both groups was also found to be at a similar level, making them at a higher risk of developing cognitive dysfunction.
It is believed that the damage is due to the inflammation caused by nicotine, as well as the metals and chemicals found in vapes, such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine. Dr Boidin said: "When you put this mixture of metals and chemicals into your body you can't expect nothing to happen."
He continued: "What we have found is the dangers for someone who keeps vaping are no different from smokers.
"At the beginning (of the study) I also believed that vaping was more beneficial than smoking. You see a lot more people vaping these days because they don't think it's too bad. Many will be horrified to know the truth."
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Dr Boidin believes that all vapes should be taken off this market, with only doctors being able to prescribe them. He said: "The only benefit of vaping is to help people quit smoking, but if they keep vaping the result is going to be the same.
"I think doctors should be able to prescribe vapes for a certain time, so they could be used as a transition tool, but only for a short time. We now know the long-term effects of vaping, and if we don't act now we will see a health emergency in the next ten, 15 years."
Labour MP Rachael Maskell has called for tighter restrictions to be placed on vapes. She said: "This study adds to the body of evidence that vaping can cause significant harm to a person. The government should take stricter measures in ensuring that vapes are only accessible to people who currently smoke as a smoking cessation intervention."
However Dr Marina Murphy, who is the scientific spokesperson for the UK Vaping Industry Association, dismissed the study. She said: "Millions of people have been using vaping products safely for many years. All the available data suggests that vapes are unlikely to exceed 5% of the health risks associated with cigarettes."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Experts reveal what's driving explosion in under 50s cancer cases - as landmark study shows 23 per cent surge since the 90s
Cancer deaths have fallen by more than a fifth over the past 50 years—but diagnoses have soared with cases in younger adults driving the trend, a landmark study reveals. Experts say the spike in diagnoses is being fuelled in part by lifestyle factors—including smoking, obesity and poor diet—which remain among the leading causes. The analysis, from Cancer Research UK, is the first to examine 50 years of NHS cancer data, revealing striking progress—but also alarming new trends. The data reveals that although survival rates have improved dramatically since the 1970s, the risk of developing cancer has risen just as sharply. In 1973, around 328 in every 100,000 people died from the disease. By 2023, that figure had fallen to 252—a 22 per cent drop—thanks to earlier diagnosis and better treatments. But over the same period, the number of people developing cancer has soared by almost 50 per cent. Incidence rates have climbed from 413 to 607 per 100,000 people, with some of the sharpest rises seen in under 50s. Among those aged 20 to 49, rates are up by 23 per cent since the early 1990s. Scientists are still trying to explore the factors behind the rise in early onset cancers, with some suggesting modern diets and exposure to substances like microplastics, or a combination of several triggers, could be to blame. Speaking this week at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago —the world's biggest cancer conference—experts also cautioned that poor lifestyle was likely the driving factor. Presenting research on the key factors influencing the surge in colon cancer cases among people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, Dr Jessica Paulus a senior director of research at Ontada, said obesity was far higher among early-onset patients than 'average age'. Of the 14,611 young patients tracked in the study, more than a third were obese at time of diagnosis. 'Interestingly, distress thermometer data also showed early-onset patients were more likely to report high or moderate distress' at time of diagnosis compared to older patients, she added. This thermometer is a tool health professionals ask patients to use to self-report feelings or issues, such as financial concerns, pain, fatigue and worry. But drinking, physical inactivity and poor diet too plays a 'huge' role too, Professor Neil Iyengar, an expert in breast oncology and the impact of lifestyle factors on cancer at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, said. He told MailOnline: 'The link between obesity and several forms of cancer is already well-established, but this data is mostly from older people. 'Obesity rates are accelerating in young people. 'But having too much fat—even if you have a normal body weight or body mass index—also increases the risk of developing cancer. 'It's never too early to start good eating and exercise patterns. 'We need to start thinking of some foods and high-sugar beverages in a similar way that we think about smoking: unnecessary, addictive, and harmful.' Other experts, however, cautioned that tobacco was likely not behind the rise in younger cancer cases. Professor Paul Pharoah, an expert in cancer epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles told MailOnline: 'Incidence of the one major smoking related cancer, lung cancer, has come down in all age groups in men. 'In women, lung cancer incidence has fallen in younger women since 1990, but continues to increase in older women.' He added: 'Screening is also unlikely to be a cause of the difference between younger and older people, as the screening programmes implemented by the NHS since 1990 would be more likely to increase incidence in older individuals.' While cancer survival in England and Wales has doubled since the 1970s, progress has slowed sharply over the past decade. The report found that survival improved three to five times faster in earlier decades than it has since 2010. And despite the gains, the UK continues to lag behind comparable countries on key cancer outcomes. Late diagnosis remains a major issue. Only 54 per cent of cancers in England are diagnosed at stage one or two—the earliest phases, when tumours are usually small, haven't spread far, and are most treatable. That figure has barely improved in the last ten years. Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: 'It's fantastic to see that thanks to research, cancer death rates have drastically reduced and survival has doubled. 'But more than 460 people are still dying from cancer every day in the UK. Too many cases are still being diagnosed too late.' The report also highlights the leading preventable causes of cancer. Smoking remains the biggest risk factor, but obesity—now linked to 13 different types of the disease—is rising rapidly. Other contributors include drinking, poor diet, sunbeds, lack of exercise and failure to protect skin from the sun. Cancer Research UK is urging the Government to act swiftly and decisively in its upcoming National Cancer Plan for England. It is calling for earlier diagnosis, faster access to tests, better GP referrals and a national lung cancer screening programme—arguing that these steps could save thousands of lives. Mitchell added: 'If this plan is done right, it could transform cancer care in this country and ensure people affected by cancer live longer, better lives.'
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Cancer patients risk dying because of ‘RUBBISH they read on social media', top doctors warn
The NHS, top UK charities and global experts warn the problem is out of control LETHAL LIES Cancer patients risk dying because of 'RUBBISH they read on social media', top doctors warn Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CANCER patients are refusing medical treatment because of rubbish they read online, top doctors warn. People are becoming incurable and even dying as a result of misinformation on social media. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up A study led by the University of Bologna found that almost all cancer-related videos on YouTube and TikTok – between 88 and 100 per cent – contain incorrect information. The NHS, top UK charities and global experts warn the problem is out of control, killing patients who have cancer and terrifying those trying to stay healthy. Professor Richard Simcock, NHS doctor and chief medical officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: 'I recently saw two young women who have declined all proven medical treatments for cancer and are instead pursuing unproven and radical diets, promoted on social media. 'As a doctor, I want to be able to use the best available therapies to help people with cancer. 'A person is perfectly entitled to decline but when they do that on the basis of information which is frankly untrue or badly interpreted it makes me very sad.' Polling by Macmillan has found that 59 per cent of Brits – more than 30million people – believe myths or misconceptions about the disease. For example experts say patients are being sucked in by influencers' claims that low-carb diets can battle cancer, recommendations for unproven drugs, and a belief that negative thoughts can cause relapse. Internet users have also been convinced of false or unproven cancer risks such as from deodorants, mobile phones, underwired bras and dairy, they added. They also accuse search engines and artificial intelligence of regurgitating false information. Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England's medical director, said: 'Social media can provide a supportive community but we're also seeing an alarmingly high level of misinformation on some of these platforms. The signs and symptoms of cancer 'I would urge people to be sceptical of any 'miracle cures' and to use trusted, credible sources like the NHS website. 'These fairy tales aren't just misleading, they can be harmful.' Dr Julie Gralow, president of the American Society for Clinical Oncology, said: 'Several patients of mine wanted an all-natural treatment approach and found clinics online. 'In some cases they died within nine months. 'It's tragic and we wonder what we could have done differently but in the end we can't force anybody to do anything.' About 400,000 people develop cancer in the UK each year and 50 per cent survive for 10 years or more after diagnosis. Matthew Hobbs, of Prostate Cancer UK, added: 'Sadly there are a lot of poor sources of information out there. 'Sometimes they are deliberately pushing unproven treatments or ideas, other times it is well meant advice but lacking expertise and full understanding of all the facts.' Retired breast surgeon Dr Liz O'Riordan said: 'We need to get more doctors talking to patients on social media and explaining things to them.'
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Cancer patients risk dying because of ‘RUBBISH they read on social media', top doctors warn
CANCER patients are refusing medical treatment because of rubbish they read online, top doctors warn. People are becoming incurable and even dying as a result of misinformation on social media. A study led by the University of Bologna found that almost all cancer -related videos on YouTube and TikTok – between 88 and 100 per cent – contain incorrect information. The NHS, top UK charities and global experts warn the problem is out of control, killing patients who have cancer and terrifying those trying to stay healthy. Professor Richard Simcock, NHS doctor and chief medical officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: 'I recently saw two young women who have declined all proven medical treatments for cancer and are instead pursuing unproven and radical diets, promoted on social media. 'As a doctor, I want to be able to use the best available therapies to help people with cancer. 'A person is perfectly entitled to decline but when they do that on the basis of information which is frankly untrue or badly interpreted it makes me very sad.' Polling by Macmillan has found that 59 per cent of Brits – more than 30million people – believe myths or misconceptions about the disease. For example experts say patients are being sucked in by influencers' claims that low-carb diets can battle cancer, recommendations for unproven drugs, and a belief that negative thoughts can cause relapse. Internet users have also been convinced of false or unproven cancer risks such as from deodorants, mobile phones, underwired bras and dairy, they added. They also accuse search engines and artificial intelligence of regurgitating false information. Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England's medical director, said: 'Social media can provide a supportive community but we're also seeing an alarmingly high level of misinformation on some of these platforms. 'I would urge people to be sceptical of any 'miracle cures' and to use trusted, credible sources like the NHS website. 'These fairy tales aren't just misleading, they can be harmful.' Dr Julie Gralow, president of the American Society for Clinical Oncology, said: 'Several patients of mine wanted an all-natural treatment approach and found clinics online. 'In some cases they died within nine months. 'It's tragic and we wonder what we could have done differently but in the end we can't force anybody to do anything.' About 400,000 people develop cancer in the UK each year and 50 per cent survive for 10 years or more after diagnosis. Matthew Hobbs, of Prostate Cancer UK, added: 'Sadly there are a lot of poor sources of information out there. 'Sometimes they are deliberately pushing unproven treatments or ideas, other times it is well meant advice but lacking expertise and full understanding of all the facts.' Retired breast surgeon Dr Liz O'Riordan said: 'We need to get more doctors talking to patients on social media and explaining things to them.' 1
