A NEW Scots research study is seeking volunteers to explore for the first time the potential health effects of vaping in close proximity to women and children.
Researchers from the Universities of Dundee, Abertay, and St Andrews will collaborate on the Vascular Effects of Passive Exposure (VAPE) study to determine the impact of passive vaping on a person’s vascular health.
VAPE experts are looking to recruit 300 individuals who will answer basic health questions and provide samples of saliva and urine, which will be collected from their homes and analysed.
Recruits must be women aged over 18 who do not vape or smoke, and children between the ages of 5 and 12, who live in a household where there is regular exposure to tobacco smoke or e-cigarette vapes.
Both adults and children will receive shopping vouchers up to the value of £40 for their participation.
Jacob George, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and Therapeutics at Dundee and VAPE’s Chief Investigator, is one of the leading authorities on the cardiovascular effects of vaping.
In a study published in 2019 he investigated the vascular impact of e-cigarettes versus tobacco cigarettes, and found that chronic smokers who transitioned to e-cigarettes reported significant benefits in vascular health.
In particular, it found that women who switched to e-cigarettes reported increased gains in health over men, which is why the VAPE study is specifically focusing on female subjects.
Professor George says: “The health effects of passive smoking are well-established, but very little is known about the potential risks of passive vaping.
“Non-smokers may actively avoid people smoking tobacco cigarettes, being aware of the negative health effects and because of the associated smell of cigarette smoke.
“However, less stigma surrounds vaping as they are often manufactured with sweet, synthetic smells that may not prove as unpleasant to someone who does not use the device.
“Because of this lack of a deterrent to non-vapers, it is imperative that any risks to vascular health from passive vaping are identified and that is what the VAPE study aims to resolve.”
Alberto Fiore, Professor of Food Technology and Chemistry at Abertay University, is also an expert in the field of studying the risks associated with e-cigarettes and vaping.
He said, “Vaping remains a better option than smoking and has clear benefits when viewed as a cessation tool, but the recent growth in popularity, particularly among children, is a cause for concern.
“Despite that growth, vaping is still a relatively new lifestyle choice in terms of us fully understanding the cardiovascular effects, so it is vital that we continue to research both active and passive vaping.”
The VAPE study is backed by the NHS Tayside Endowment Fund. Anybody who wishes to learn more or volunteer can do so here.
