Electronic cigarettes induce DNA strand breaks and cell death independently of nicotine in cell lines (Oral Oncology Journal)
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On November 4, 2015, the medical journal Oral Oncology published a study entitled “ Electronic cigarettes induce DNA strand breaks and cell death independently of nicotine in cell lines”. Researchers from the University of California San Diego (who are also affiliated with the U.S. Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System) showed e-cigarette vapor, with and without nicotine, is not only toxic to epithelial cells but also breaks up DNA strands which induces cell death.
The researchers did in vitro (petri dish) experiments using 2 brands of e-cigarette liquids that were vaporized. The results showed that vaporizing the liquids induce increased DNA strand breaks and cell death, and decreased clonogenic survival in both normal epithelial and HNSCC cell lines independently of nicotine content.
The researchers concluded: “our study strongly suggests that electronic cigarettes are not as safe as their marketing makes them appear to the public.” The researchers also cited to numerous studies that concluded negative health impacts from e-cigarettes and/or certain toxic ingredients in the e-liquids.
Read the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ December 28, 2015 news story on the study.