The vaping debate took a sinister twist yesterday after Dublin-based scientists discovered a new health threat.
A highly toxic gas is released when a chemical found in some illegal vaping products is heated.
The research was led by chemists at the Royal College of Surgeons in central Dublin.
It follows revelations in the US last year of an increasing number of lung injuries linked to vaping.
The Irish team tested what happened when they heated Vitamin E acetate – an ingredient found in THC-based vaping products.
THC is the main active ingredient in cannabis and while these products are illegal in Ireland and the EU, they can be sourced online.
When heated, the normally non-toxic Vitamin E Acetate releases the highly toxic gas Ketene, the Irish researchers found.
Once Ketene is inhaled, it can cause serious damage to the lungs up to 24 hours after exposure.
The research found it is lethal at high concentrations and at lower concentrations can irritate the eyes and lungs.
Professor of Chemistry Donal O’Shea said: “The high temperatures created in vaping devices can lead to unforeseen chemical reactions.”
He believes other components of vape mixtures, including flavours and additives, also require investigation.
Prof O’Shea added: “They too may produce toxic and carcinogenic substances when heated.
Declan Connolly of the Irish Vape Vendors’ Association said: “ I would point out that these THC vaping products on which the research was based are not on sale in Ireland.
“No Irish shop is selling products containing Vitamin E Acetate.”
A separate UK study released this week found teenagers who use e-cigarettes are nearly five times more likely to try tobacco, strengthening the argument that vaping can be a gateway to smoking.
However, many health experts argue e-cigarettes are a useful tool in the fight against tobacco addiction.
