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A new study by researchers at Dalhousie University has found that young people who use electronic cigarettes have worse lung function, suggesting there may be damage to the small airways.

The team used a novel method to assess whether e-cigarettes or vapes affect lung function: the lung clearance index (LCI) measures how efficiently the lungs breathe. In the presence of lung damage, particularly in the small airways, air will not flow evenly to all parts of the lungs and the lung clearance index will be higher.  

Participants in the observational study included 41 young adults between 18 and 24 years of age who had used e-cigarettes, which consisted primarily of flavoured e-liquids that contained nicotine. Another 38 participants had no history of e-cigarette, tobacco or cannabis exposure.

In comparing the gas mixing efficiency (or LCI) between the groups, results indicated that those with any e-cigarette use had higher or worse LCI measures.

Dr. Sanja Stanojevic, an associate professor in Dal's Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, led the research study and is available to discuss how this preliminary work suggests that LCI may be a useful biomarker to measure the effects of e-cigarette use and track early functional impairment of the small airways.

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Author contact:

Dr. Sanja Stanojevic
Sanja.stanojevic@dal.ca

Media contact: 

Alison Auld
Senior Research Reporter
Dalhousie University
Cell: 1-902-220-0491
Email: alison.auld@dal.ca