French health and safety agency:Vape is lower risk than cigarette

The French National Agency for Food, Environment and Labour Safety (ANSES), after reviewing 2864 scientific studies and multiple international reports, pointed out that vapes should only be used as a smoking cessation tool, and emphasized that non-smokers and teenagers should avoid using them, especially being wary of flavors such as fruits and sweetness that may attract minors.

Quick overview of key points

1. Source: 14 experts from ANSES organization reviewed 2864 studies and international reports.
2. Core conclusion: Vapes still pose health risks, essentially by inhaling harmful substances.
3. Suggested position: It is only recommended as a transitional tool for smoking cessation and should ultimately be discontinued.
4. Main risk sources: Metal release from equipment; Ingredients of e-liquid (propylene glycol, glycerol, fragrance); Heating generates new substances.
5. Respiratory system: Aldehydes generated by heating may adhere to and damage respiratory tissues; Some studies suggest an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

According to the French National Agency for Food, Environment and Labour Safety (ANSES), after a systematic review of evidence related to vapes, the agency pointed out that although vapes are less harmful than cigarettes, users still come into contact with various toxic or harmful substances during the inhalation of aerosols, thus posing a “health risk”. ANSES emphasizes that non-smokers and teenagers should try to avoid exposure to vapes, especially fruit and sweet flavored vape products that are easily attractive to minors.

ANSES introduced that it organized 14 experts to review 2864 scientific studies and multiple international reports

The conclusion is that the potential hazards brought by vapes are related to repeated inhalation of harmful substances: some come from the device itself (vapes may release metals), some come from the existing components of e-liquid (such as propylene glycol, glycerol, spices), and some are new substances generated during the heating process.

In terms of respiratory system, experts point out that aldehydes generated by heating may adhere to respiratory tissues and cause damage; If such damage occurs repeatedly over a long period of time, the tissue’s ability to repair may be affected.
Changes at the cellular level, including DNA damage, have also been observed in the study, which may increase the risk of cancer. However, due to the fact that related diseases may take decades to manifest, there is still a lack of sufficient long-term follow-up to provide definitive conclusions.
Some studies also suggest an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with vape use, but there is still insufficient evidence for the association with asthma or bronchitis.
In terms of cardiovascular risk, ANSES states that adverse cardiovascular effects are assessed as “more likely” when using nicotine containing e-liquids; Even without nicotine, there is a “possible” change in heart rate and blood pressure, which may develop into cardiovascular disease in the long run.
The institution also reminds of the issue of addiction: if e-liquid contains nicotine, the aerosols produced by vapes are considered to be as addictive as cigarette smoke, and users may find it more difficult to stop.

ANSES also disclosed that out of the 1775 identified aerosol substances, 106 were “particularly concerning” substances, although their concentrations are typically significantly lower than those in cigarette smoke, caution should still be exercised regarding their health effects.

Reference: Vapoter présente des risques pour la santé, prévient l’Anses – La Télé