A new study found that electronic cigarettes can be harmful irrespective of whether they contain nicotine. E-cigarettes are considered a healthy alternative to the traditional cigarettes but research suggests otherwise. It was revealed that the liquid used in the e-cigarettes can cause lung infection.

For the study, cells from the airways of healthy non smokers between the ages of 8 and 12 were taken. They were then exposed to the vapors from the e-cigarettes, and the doctors found that the said cells were affected badly. The cells were placed in one end of a sterile container and the e-cigarette on the other. Suction was then applied, and the cells were exposed to the vapor, recreating the act of smoking. The vapour was seen to immediately increase the IL-6 proteins. The immune response was damaged.

Dr. Hong Wei Chu, director of the Basic Science Section at National Jewish Health and leader of the study, stated that the cells showed a strong pro-inflammatory response and became highly vulnerable to infection. He also stated that the epithelial cells that protect the lungs were also harmed. Speaking of the epithelial cells and the damaged caused, Chu said, "They protect our bodies from anything dangerous we might inhale. Even without nicotine, this liquid can hurt your epithelial defense system and you will be more likely to get sick."

According to WebMD, in the United States in 2012, approximately 1.8 million teens and minors tried e-cigarettes since it was promoted as a healthy alternative. The website reported that last year, nearly 40 million people had used e-cigarettes. The research focused mainly on kids and the effect e-cigarettes on these people.

Chu said that the sale of the product is not controlled, and there is no standard regulated amount of nicotine or other chemicals that must be in the product. Since the study provides strong evidence of the bad effects of e-cigarettes, Chu concluded that long term consumption can prove to be dangerous.

The study is published in the PLOS-One journal.

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