Vaping has been cited as a major health problem, with experts warning of the potential dangers posed by the habit. But now new research suggests that flavored vapes, one in particular, affect the lungs more than unflavored ones.

According to a study that compared the effects of flavored to unflavored e-cigarettes, berry-flavored vaporizers can compromise the lungs’ natural defenses and make it harder for the body to fight infections.

Scientists noticed cases of lung injuries in teenagers in 2019 and decided to study the effects of vaping vapors. This prompted McGill Associate Professor Ajitha Thanabalasuriar of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics to collaborate with Erika Penz of the University of Saskatchewan.

The two exposed mice to e-cigarette vapor for several days and observed their lung immune cells in real time using a live imaging technique.

The results showed how flavored vaporizers carry greater danger than unflavored ones. The study, published in PNAS, showed that some chemicals contained in berry vaporizers paralyze immune cells in the lungs responsible for eliminating harmful particles.

This makes the body more vulnerable to respiratory infections. The same effect was not observed with flavorless vaporizers.

Researchers warned that flavors can have harmful effects on the body. Additionally, they are available in attractive packaging to attract children.

“Some of these vaping products that are marketed to kids — the way they’re sold, the type of containers they’re sold in — are really colorful, really appealing to kids, and this can be a really bad thing for our future.” “. ” she said.

The authors say more research is needed to identify the specific compounds in berry-flavored vapes responsible for damaging immune cells. It is also necessary to confirm whether the effects observed in mice also occur in humans.