Study Finds Vaping Increases Susceptibility To SARS-CoV-2 Infection

A recent study suggests that people who vape are more likely to contract SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, which continues to affect people around the world. The liquid called e-liquid used in e-cigarettes usually contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and aroma compounds. Researchers found that propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin, alone or in combination with nicotine, increased the risk of COVID-19 infection in several ways.

The findings were published in the American Journal of Physiology. Researchers also found that adding benzoic acid to e-cigarettes protected against infections caused by propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and nicotine.

“People who use only propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin or e-liquids for vaping aerosols with a neutral to alkaline pH are at risk of infection; Postdoctoral researcher Rattapol Phandthong, the first scientist to use e-liquids containing benzoic acid, explains that these substances, which have an acid pH, may have the same effect on the disease as non-vapers.

Scientists took samples from human donors to create They used cells from the lungs. 3D models of human bronchial epithelium exposing tissues to JUUL and BLU e-cigarette aerosols to assess the effects of SARS-CoV-2. In tissues exposed to nicotine aerosols, ACE2, the host cell receptor for the virus, and TMPRSS2, an enzyme important for cell proliferation, were increased in all tissues.

Phandthong’s advisor, Professor Prue Talbot, spoke about caution for e-cigarette users and suggested they consider quitting e-cigarettes as the products can cause SARS-CoV-2 infection. “To prevent exacerbation of SARS-CoV-2 disease caused by nicotine, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, it is best to use e-liquid with acidic pH or benzoic acid for vaping,” he said. However, benzoic acid is also reported to be inhaled. Acid is also risky. This topic needs more information at your own risk.

Scientists recognize the complexity of the relationship between e-cigarettes and SARS-CoV-2 damage due to the diversity and chemical composition of e-liquids. They hope their findings will encourage the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to develop laws to regulate e-cigarette products.

“Research shows that e-cigarette users infected with SARS-CoV-2 may experience more complications during recovery and are at risk.” -cigarette.”

Phandthong pointed out that their research focused on the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and stated that more research is needed to understand how smoke aerosols from e-cigarettes will affect other stages of the epidemic in the future.