Groundbreaking new vaping study warns users over flavours they inhale and long-term health impact
There's growing evidence that vape pens might carry serious health risks over long-term use, as a number of studies are trying to dig deeper into what could happen if you vape on a regular basis.
A research paper - published in Frontiers in Oncology - found that vaping alters the activity of over 3,000 genes, many of which are linked to cancer, heart disease, and lung conditions.
After taking a look into the gene activity of 83 vapers, smokers and non-users, scientists found that e-cigarettes, particularly fruit flavours and refillable devices, were associated with the greatest changes in gene activity.
"One major question has been what's driving these biological changes," said senior author Professor Ahmad Besaratinia, from the University of Southern California.
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"Is it vaping itself, or the way people vape, including the products they use? "Our findings suggest flavourings and device characteristics play a crucial role."
What did the research on the gene activity of vapers find?
Researchers analysed cells taken from inside participants’ cheeks using RNA sequencing to track changes across thousands of genes.
They found that vapers showed more variable patterns of gene activity compared to smokers, suggesting potentially unpredictable biological effects.
Analysis showed these genetic changes were linked to disease-related pathways, with cancer showing the strongest association, followed by endocrine, digestive, and neurological conditions.
"Each flavour contains different chemicals that can produce distinct biological effects," Besaratinia added.
"This is something regulators need to consider carefully when assessing the safety of e-cigarettes. Regulators have been tasked with verifying that the benefits of using e-cigarettes for adults outweigh the risks posed to youth.
"But we show here that vaping flavoured products is associated with disease-related molecular changes, regardless of the user’s age."
Vaping vs. Smoking
10 percent of adults, around 5.4 to 5.5 million people, vape daily or occasionally in the UK, with over half being ex-smokers.
According to the NHS, nicotine vaping is less harmful than smoking and is 'one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking'.
Yet the health service notes that vaping is 'not completely harmless and we don’t know yet what the long-term effects may be'.
You must be 18 or older to buy vapes in Britain, as all disposable vapes are fully banned after the Tobacco and Vapes Bill became law in April 2026.
"This legislation marks a turning point for the nation’s health. By ending the cycle of tobacco addiction for future generations, we are taking one of the boldest steps in decades to prevent illness before it even begins," Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said.
"For too long, smoking has claimed lives, widened inequalities and placed avoidable pressure on our health services. This law changes that trajectory - protecting young people from ever starting, while backing current smokers with the support they need to quit for good.
"A smoke-free generation is now within reach, and this government is determined to deliver a healthier, fairer future for everyone."
Anish Vij