“Sweet flavours might pose an additional risk of exposure to uranium.”

New research, from the University of Nebraska Medical Centre, suggests that regular teen vaping increases the risk of exposure to lead and uranium. The news comes after increasing concern over youth vaping in Ireland. At the end of last year, vaping was banned for under 18s and conversation is still circulating about the dangers of flavors which target a younger audience.

The researchers drew their findings from the PATH Youth Study, which involved 1607 teens between the ages of 13 and 17. The teenagers’ urine samples were tested for toxic metals such as: uranium, lead and cadmium.

The results showed that uranium levels in urine was twice as high among frequent vapers than occasional vapers. Regular and intermittent vapers also had up to 40% more lead than occasional vapers. For the purpose of the study, regular vapers were classed as vaping 20+ days a month, intermittent vapers vaped 6-19 days a month, and occasional users vaped 1-5 days a month.

While researchers did acknowledge the study’s limitations, admitting that the presence of uranium in urine could be down to dietary intake or environmental exposure, they also said: “Despite the limitations, this study reported increased urine lead and uranium levels associated with vaping frequency…Sweet flavours might pose an additional risk of exposure to uranium.”

Researchers also pointed out that the use of vapes during teenage years could increase toxic metal exposure, which could adversely impact organ and brain development.

“These findings call for further research, vaping regulation, and targeted public health interventions to mitigate the potential harms of e-cigarette use, particularly among adolescents.”

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