Vaping indoors creates 'toxic' slime that can be absorbed through skin

-Credit: (Image: PA)
-Credit: (Image: PA)


Vaping indoors can cause a 'slime'-like substance to spread onto surfaces. New research has found that this can be absorbed through the skin and can cause "serious harm", particularly to unborn babies.

The liquid in vapes contains propylene glycol, glycerol, and often nicotine, flavours, and other additives. When this is heated, it can create toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, as well as a hazardous air pollutant called acrolein.

A new study into the effects of e-cigarette vapour was carried out by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Pregnant mice were exposed to the vapour and their offspring were then infected with flu so that their immune system could be examined.

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Professor Brian Oliver from UTS and the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research said: "When vapes are used indoors, or in a vehicle, the vapour condenses on surfaces forming a thick, oily layer, and this residue can be absorbed through the skin.

"Previous research has shown that vaping during pregnancy can cause serious harm to the baby, including increased risk of stillbirth, low birth weight and developmental problems."

Researchers found that, in the baby mice who had been exposed to the vapour, a special type of immune cell became "dysregulated". The cell, called CD8+ T, is important for an effective immune response against infections and cancer.

Dr Chantal Donovan, who led the study along with Dr Richard Kim, said that the study revealed for the first time that third-hand exposure to e-vapour in pregnant mice has long-lasting effects on lung and bone marrow immune cell responses in their babies.

She said: "The study supports the growing body of evidence of the dangers of e-cigarette exposure and highlights that even third-hand e-vapor exposure during pregnancy could have long lasting effects."

Dr Kim said: "Visitors to the homes of friends or relatives who vape might not realise they're being exposed to harmful chemicals just by touching benchtops or sitting on the couch. People who vape need to understand that this doesn’t just affect them".