BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM — Vaping can harm important immune system cells, according to a new study. <br /><br />Researchers from the University of Birmingham found e-cigarette vapor disabled vital immune cells in the lungs and increased inflammation, the BBC reported. <br />The small scale study was led by Professor David Thickett, and the results published in the online journal Thorax. <br />The experiment used a mechanical procedure to mimic vaping, using lung tissue samples from eight non-smokers. <br />Scientists found the vapor caused inflammation and negatively affected alveolar macrophages, cells that remove harmful dust particles, bacteria and allergens. <br /><br />Changes in the lung tissue occurred over 48 hours, however the group advise that further research is needed to understand long-term health complications from vaping. <br /><br />Thickett said while e-cigarettes may be safer than traditional cigarettes, they could still be harmful if used long-term.
