What are you inhaling? Take a scientific look at the dangers in vaping

    

Courtney Behrle

Advances in Biology Laboratory Education, 2025, Volume 45

https://doi.org/10.37590/able.v45.art1

Supplemental Materials: https://doi.org/10.37590/able.v45.sup1

Abstract

While many e-cigarette users perceive vaping as a healthier alternative to smoking, there is evidence that the effects of e-cigarettes are not necessarily healthier than regular cigarettes (Reidel et al. 2018). Even a single exposure to e-cigs has been shown to cause excessive inflammation and mucus production that could lead to airway obstruction (Gellatly et al. 2020). Secondhand nicotine vape exposure has also been associated with an increased risk of bronchitis symptoms and shortness of breath among young adults (Islam et al. 2022). While students may read about all this research or be informed via a lecture, the purpose of implementing four hands- on activities is to allow students various models of scientific exploration so that they may conduct actual or simulated research for themselves as well as interpret unbiased graphical data to make their own informed conclusions regarding the negative health impacts of vaping. The activities include two activities (graphical analysis and simulated biomarkers) from a research data analysis project created by UNC?s Center for Public Engagement with Science, of which the activities are also free on their website. A hands-on lab that allows participants to look directly at the effects of e-cigarette vapor on living cells: the protozoan Tetrahymena, a model organism often used in research on health and disease-related topics, including ciliary function, from Washington University in St. Louis. A novel activity utilizes a small closed system in which non-nicotine vape juice is emitted through a micro fog machine. Students will analyze changes in air quality using air monitoring devices. The four activities have been utilized by BioNetwork staff independently of each other and in various combinations of two or more activities.

Keywords:  vaping, health risks, biomarkers, environmental monitoring, model simulations, data interpretation, hands-on, graphical analysis, EVALI

University of Maryland (2024)