The effect of vaping on the human lung microbiota

Vaping's perception as a safe method of nicotine consumption has contributed to its widespread use among American youth. Research indicates that serious lung disease termed EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) can develop from vaping. However, the broader consequences on lung health remain less understood.

We evaluated the effects of vaping on college students' lungs using fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) scores, metal concentrations, and microbiota composition collected over three months.

Mass spectrometry analysis of vape coils revealed that ceramic coils contained higher levels of metals Mg, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, As, Sr, Ag, and Ti, while mesh coils had elevated concentrations of Cu, Cd, Pb, and Sn. Corresponding metals were detected in participants' exhaled breath, with vaping status and coil type significantly influencing heavy metal profiles, and FeNO contributing among vapers. FeNO levels positively correlated with vaping duration, indicating effects on airway inflammation. Analysis of exhaled microbiota showed that temporal variation (sampling month) and, among vapers, duration of vaping had stronger influences on microbial composition than vaping status or coil type, while FeNO had minimal impact. Specific metals, including Al, Fe, Co, Zn, and Zr, were modestly associated with microbial patterns, with Zn and Fe showing the strongest effects.

These findings identified three interconnected effects of vaping: lung inflammation, heavy metal exposure from heating coils, and changes in lung microbiota. This highlights the need for further research to clarify the mechanisms linking these outcomes.