Electronic Cigarette Vapor May Cause Birth Defects

Some people may not understand the full implication of the statement “electronic cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes”. Many, including pregnant women, assume that it is safe for them to vape. However, new research conducted on African clawed frogs has shown that a number of birth defects can result from the exposure of an embryo to e-liquid aerosol. The researchers observed that craniofacial defects, such as poorly formed facial bones, resulted from exposure to the e-liquid aerosol. These effects appeared to be more pronounced if the concentration of nicotine in the e-fluid was high. Expectant mothers would therefore be well advised to reduce vaping as much as possible so that they reduce the likelihood of the unborn child being affected by the contents of the aerosol that is inhaled. Further research is also needed to isolate the specific e-liquid ingredients that are responsible for those birth defects.