Vaping Shuts Off Immune-Fighting Cells in the Lungs, Lab Study Finds

TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- E-cigarettes have been touted as a safer alternative to smoking, but the vapor they create might harm lung tissue much like regular cigarettes do, British researchers report.

With or without nicotine, e-cigarette vapor increases inflammation and disables cells that protect lung tissue, human tissue tests reveal. Harming these cells makes them vulnerable to dust, bacteria and allergens that might lead to incurable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the researchers say.