USQ wants vapers to help with study
IN A world-first study, University of Southern Queensland researchers will investigate if the regular use of e-cigarettes in young and otherwise healthy adults can reduce lung function.
It called for young “vape” users to get involved.
Respiratory physiologist Dr Dean Mills said there was a need for a greater understanding of the health dangers of e-cigarettes.
“While the harmful effects of tobacco cigarettes are wellknown, there is little evidence and knowledge about the health risks of e-cigarettes because they’re relatively new,” he said.
“This study will help us learn more about how the chemicals inside e-cigarettes interact with the body and lungs, and determine if and how they impact our ability to undertake exercise.”
About 200,000 Australians use e-cigarettes, with the greatest use believed to be among young adults.
The most common reasons adults start using e-cigarettes is because they believe they are safer than smoking tobacco or can help them quit smoking.
King Vapealot Superstore owner Craig Farquharson operates one of Toowoomba’s largest vaping supply stores and said 95 per cent of his customers were current or former smokers who wanted an alternative to tobacco.
He welcomed the study and hoped it would result in more people transitioning away from tobacco.
“We have customers who are more than 60 years old, who have smoked all their lives and seen their lung function improve after taking up vaping,” he said.
While Mr Farquharson swears by the health benefits, Dr Mills was unconvinced.
He said the study was vital, especially for young people, as e-cigarettes might impair lung development and lead to long-term health problems.
“Adults who smoke in their teens can have lungs that never grow to their full potential and never perform at full capacity,” Dr Mills said.
USQ needs regular e-cigarette users, aged 18-35, who are otherwise healthy, to take part in the study, along with a control group of non-users.
For more details or get involved, phone 3812 6147 or email dean.mills@usq.edu.au.