E-cigs may have bacteria linked to lung disease

E-CIGARETTES may be contaminated with bacteria and fungi linked to lung disease, research suggests.

scientists who tested 75 single-use cartridges and refill liquids found signs of harmful bugs in just over a quarter.

Meanwhile glucan – a sugary molecule found in most fungi – was detected in 81 per cent of the products.

exposure to the toxins has been associated asthma, reduced lung function and inflammation, the researchers say.

a team from the harvard Th Chan school of Public health studied e-cigarette – or ‘vaping’ – products from some of the top-selling brands in the Us.

Professor David Christiani, who led the study, said: ‘Finding these toxins adds to the growing concerns about the potential for adverse respiratory effects in users.’

It is thought that cotton wicks in e-cigarette cartridges may be a source of contamination. The study is reported in the journal environmental health Perspectives.