A new Australian study has raised concerns about the possible health risks linked to vaping. Researchers identified biological changes associated with cancer in the lungs and mouth.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of New South Wales in Sydney. It reviewed scientific studies, animal experiments, human case reports and laboratory research.
The research covered studies published between 2017 and 2025. It was published in the scientific journal Carcinogenesis.
Researchers examined the effects of nicotine-containing e-cigarette vapor on the body. They found evidence of changes linked to cancer development.
These changes included DNA damage and increased inflammation. Researchers said such effects were observed in tissues exposed to e-cigarette vapor.
The findings have raised concerns about the long-term effects of vaping. Experts said the evidence suggests that vaping can affect cells and tissues.
Bernard Stewart, one of the researchers, highlighted changes in the mouth and lungs. He said inhaling e-cigarette vapor produces clear changes in these tissues.
However, the researchers stressed that more evidence is needed. E-cigarettes became widely available only after 2000.
This means there is still limited data on their long-term effects. Researchers cannot yet determine how many people may eventually develop cancer.
The study also examined reports involving people diagnosed with oral cancer. Some of those individuals reported vaping without having previously smoked conventional cigarettes.
Researchers said these cases require further investigation. They stressed that individual cases alone cannot establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Animal research also provided additional warning signs. Some experiments found that mice exposed to e-cigarette vapor developed more lung tumors.
The researchers cautioned against directly applying animal findings to humans. Differences between animals and people mean further human research remains necessary.
The study does not establish that vaping directly causes cancer. Instead, it highlights biological changes that could potentially contribute to cancer development.
The researchers called for preventive regulatory measures. They said authorities should consider the emerging evidence while long-term research continues.
Concerns are particularly significant as vaping becomes more common among younger people. Increased use could expose more people to potential long-term health risks.
The study adds to growing research into the health effects of e-cigarettes. Scientists continue to examine how prolonged exposure may affect different organs.
For now, researchers say more long-term studies are needed. Such research could provide clearer evidence about the relationship between vaping and cancer.
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The authors urged regulators to take the emerging findings seriously. They recommended preventive action while scientists continue studying the long-term consequences.
