Vapers have been warned of the risks as chemicals in e-cigarettes enhance the chances of catching
Covid, a new study found.
University of California scientists have shown that two chemicals, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, enhanced Covid infection through different mechanisms. And they found that adding benzoic acid, a chemical compound, to e-liquids prevents the infection caused by the chemicals.
Study first author Dr Rattapol Phandthong said: "Users who vape aerosols produced from propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin alone or e-liquids with a neutral to basic pH are more likely to be infected by the virus. Users who vape aerosols made from e-liquids with benzoic acid, an acidic pH, will have the same viral susceptibility as individuals who do not vape."
The researchers obtained airway stem cells from human donors to produce a 3D tissue model of the human bronchial epithelium, airway system. The tissues were exposed to JUUL and BLU e-cigarettes to study the effect on Covid infection. They found an increase in the amount of ACE2, a host cell receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in all tissues.
An enzyme that is essential for the virus to infect cells, TMPRSS2, was found to show increased activity in tissues exposed to aerosols with nicotine. Prof Prue Talbot said: "It would probably be best for vapers to quit vaping for the protection of their health and to stop nicotine dependency.
