Exposure to vape and e-cigarette residue on surfaces while pregnant could put unborn babies at risk of immune system damage, new research suggests.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Third-Hand Vape Exposure Risks: New research in mice shows that exposure to vape residue on surfaces during pregnancy can harm the immune system of unborn babies, specifically affecting CD8+ T cells that are crucial for fighting infections and cancer.
- Long-Lasting Immune Effects: The study revealed that maternal third-hand exposure to e-cigarette vapor resulted in significant and long-lasting changes to immune cell responses in both the lungs and bone marrow of offspring.
- Hidden Dangers of Vape Residue: Vape residue can linger on surfaces in homes and vehicles, potentially exposing vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant women and their babies, to harmful chemicals without direct contact with vaping devices.
Exposure to vape and e-cigarette residue on surfaces could put unborn babies at risk of immune system damage, new research in mice suggests.
Vape liquid contains propylene glycol, glycerol, and often nicotine, flavors, and other additives. When heated it can produce toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, a hazardous air pollutant.
“When vapes are used indoors, or in a vehicle, the vapor condenses on surfaces forming a thick, oily layer, and this residue can be absorbed through the skin,” says study co-author distinguished professor Brian Oliver, PhD, from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, in a release. “Previous research has shown that vaping during pregnancy can cause serious harm to the baby, including increased risk of stillbirth, low birth weight and developmental problems.”
In a new study led by Chantal Donovan, PhD, and Richard Kim, PhD, from the UTS School of Life Sciences, pregnant mice were exposed to e-cigarette vapor residue on towels. Their offspring were then infected with the flu, and their immune system response was assessed.
The researchers found that in the exposed offspring, a specialised type of immune cell, called a CD8+ T cell, became dysregulated. CD8+ T cells are essential for mounting an effective immune response against infections, as well as cancer.
The study has been published in the American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology.
E-Vapor Linked to Last Effects
Donovan says the study revealed for the first time that maternal third-hand exposure to e-vapor results in significant, long-lasting effects on lung and bone marrow immune cell responses in mice.
“The study supports the growing body of evidence of the dangers of e-cigarette exposure and highlights that even third-hand e-vapor exposure during pregnancy could have long-lasting effects,” she says in a release.
In Australia, vaping is prohibited in enclosed public spaces, including workplaces, public transportation, and restaurants, similar to smoking bans. However, there are still many areas where vulnerable people could be exposed.
“Visitors to the homes of friends or relatives who vape might not realize they’re being exposed to harmful chemicals just by touching benchtops or sitting on the couch. People who vape need to understand that this doesn’t just affect them,” Kim says in a release.
