Vapes have long been branded as a healthier alternative to smoking, however, research is emerging stating chemicals such as 6-methyl nicotine may be stronger and more addictive than nicotine in cigarettes, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and researchers.
The chemicals being used such as 6-menthyl nicotine have a different structure to nicotine so therefore they are not subjected to tobacco and vaping regulations.
The FDA told Reuters that: “Although more research is needed (on 6-menthyl nicotine), some emerging data show these nicotine analogs may be more potent than nicotine – which is already highly addictive, can alter adolescent brain development and have long-term effects on youth’s attention, learning, and memory.”
The maker of Marlboro cigarettes in the U.S., Altria, called out the emerging use of 6-methyl nicotine in a letter to the FDA. The cigarette manufacturer said: “Accelerating growth in unlawful and unregulated e-vapor products is a significant problem that threatens the long-term success of federal tobacco regulation.”
In the letter, the company also claims chemicals like 6-methyl are “contributing to the underage rates” of vape users that “are significantly higher.” Altria reiterated that its business is committed to “a well-regulated marketplace delivering on harm reduction,” adhering to the Tobacco Control Act. However, they state that illicit chemicals undermine the work of the FDA-regulated system.
A report by Harvard Health Medical School revealed more connections between e-cigarettes and health conditions. The renowned institution said diacetyl found in many e-cigarettes is one of the causes behind a condition known as bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). The long-term impact of BO causes scarring of the lungs’ small air sacs and the thickening and narrowing of the airways.
The health risks associated with vaping are still largely unknown. Signs of risks surfacing years after vapes were invented follow a similar trajectory as cigarettes which were not deemed unhealthy until the 1960s.
Echoing this sentiment is Robert H. Shmerling, MD, a senior member of Harvard Health Publishing: “Cases of severe lung disease among people who vape raise important questions about the safety of vaping. Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that lung problems might develop in people who vape.”
Shmerling added: “Our lungs were meant to inhale clean air and nothing else. It took many years to recognize the damage cigarettes can cause. We could be on a similar path with vaping.”
The World Health Organization (WHO), called earlier this year for all governments to treat e-cigarettes the same as tobacco. As of 2023, the WHO found 34 countries had banned vapes, including Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan.