Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/9dHxUTsaHmk   E-cigarettes create less lung and genetic damage than conventional cigarettes.  This according to an Ohio State study comparing 15 vapers with 16 cigarette smokers and 42 never smokers.   Participants’ lungs were evaluated by testing bronchial washings for inflammatory cells and chemical mediators as well as altered DNA.  The e-cig users showed evidence of general lung damage intermediate between cigarette smokers and never smokers. Their genetic changes were negligible and similar to never-smokers.   This data is reassuring for e-cig users but but fails to justify vaping.  High e-cigarette temperatures produce toxic chemicals and severe, sometimes fatal lung disease.  Best to quit nicotine use with gum or patches.   Min-Ae Song, Jo L. Freudenheim, Theodore M. Brasky, Ewy A. Mathé, Joseph P McElroy, Quentin A Nickerson, Sarah A. Reisinger, Dominic J. Smiraglia, Daniel Y Weng, Kevin L Ying, Mark D. Wewers and Peter G. Shields.  Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect in the