We’ve noticed this headline and other similar ones making the rounds on social media. These headlines claim that a new, “bombshell study” has revealed deadly side effects of vaping that make it even more dangerous than smoking cigarettes.This claim made headlines on British news platforms several days ago and screenshots of these articles have since been circulating across social media and within local messaging groups and social media.

Vaping

Vapes (or electronic cigarettes) are devices that simulate smoking through an atomizer that, when heated electronically, turns e-liquid (often containing nicotine and flavouring) into vapor that is inhaled. Vapes first became available to consumers in 2003, growing in popularity and product range over the years. They can now be purchased in multiple forms – such as disposable or  refillable, flavoured, or unflavoured – and there are an estimated 2.2 million vape users worldwide as of 2024.

Initially conceived as a tool to reduce the use of tobacco cigarettes, vapes now have their own mass appeal. Globally, 82 countries allow and regulate the sale of vapes, while 39 countries (including Singapore) have banned them.

Proponents of vapes argue that it is a “lesser evil” than cigarettes and can be useful in helping smokers to quit. However, counterarguments point out that inhaling any chemicals into one’s lungs can have detrimental health impacts, and that nicotine is a highly addictive substance exacerbated by the accessibility and “fun” flavouring of vapes.

A key element of this debate also centres around the relative lack of long-term research studies about vaping (owing to their still-short lifespan) compared to cigarettes. While some argue that cigarettes are demonstrably more harmful, others say the lack of concrete research on vaping-specific hazards means it should be avoided rather than embraced.

Behind the “bombshell” study

If, as the claim suggests, a new “bombshell” study has proven that vaping is worse than cigarettes and has “deadly side effects,” this could have significant impacts on future regulations on vape products – and prove worrying for the millions of existing vape consumers across the world, many of whom are young people.Based on the news articles, the claims are from a study conducted by the Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport, with statements made to news platforms by the study’s lead researcher, Dr Maxime Boidin. The articles describe the study as “the world’s first controlled study into vaping’s long-term effects.” However, despite many headlines presenting the study as ground-breaking or having definitively made new discoveries about vaping, a closer look at the full text shows two key issues.

Firstly, the study has not even concluded yet (it is scheduled to end in late March) nor has it been published or peer reviewed, making it misleading to present its findings as “revealing” or to cite them as factual. This issue is compounded by the lack of full information from the study’s researchers about the actual timeline of the study, and the number of participants involved. This makes it difficult to assess its reliability and scale – or even the accuracy of its claim as the “first controlled study into vaping’s long-term effects.”

Secondly, the statement that “vaping might be more dangerous that smoking” appears to be something said by Dr. Boidin as an opinion – not as a definitive finding from the study.Instead, according to the limited information provided in the articles, the study  gave participants regular stress tests to measure blood flow and elasticity of their blood vessels, with results showing that both smokers and vapers displayed damaged artery walls and impaired blood flow.

Therefore, we give this claim a rating of unproven due to lack of full information. The claims being circulated inaccurately portray the study and its findings – particularly in their headlines. The study does not appear to have found that vaping is worse than smoking. However is not yet possible to discuss the study’s actual findings, nor is it accurate to entirely dismiss them.

This claim prompts further questions about how we assess the reliability of health or medical information – particularly when there is not a 100% clear consensus across different official and credible sources. How, then, are we to filter out misinformation amidst the conflicting data and assertions being made? Online, we are exposed to a glut of information from around the world, with both health institutes and legal regulations differing across countries.

In Singapore, the stance against vapes is much stronger, with legal penalties for selling, purchasing, and using vapes. Health institutions and platforms in Singapore such as SingHealth, HealthHub, and the Health Promotion Board emphasise the dangers of vaping – from nicotine addition to lung or respiratory issues, citing studies which demonstrate these serious health impacts.However, in the United Kingdom, where this study was conducted, the National Health Services’ stance is that “vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking.” A quick search across the internet shows conflicting information about exactly how dangerous vaping is – with some medical professionals asserting that “vapes are unlikely to exceed 5% of the health risks associated with cigarettes” or that vaping is extremely effective in “harm reduction” as a way of weaning smokers off tobacco cigarettes.

Obtaining a full and accurate picture of the facts (such as researching the context behind this particular claim) is one important step in making the safest and most informed health choices as individuals. It is also vital to keep up with the latest news or research and to seek specific advice from medical professions. And, of course, it remains our responsibility as residents of Singapore to pay close attention to guidelines and legislation surrounding vapes and vaping.