Scientific Study Reveals E-cigarettes Can Alter Human DNA

Industry Insight by 2FIRSTS.ai
Apr.08.2024
Scientific Study Reveals E-cigarettes Can Alter Human DNA
Scientists from the University of California and the University of Innsbruck have found e-cigarettes can alter human DNA, research shows.

According to a report from Secretmag, scientists have discovered that e-cigarettes can alter human DNA. Scientists from the University of California (USA) and the University of Innsbruck (Austria) have found that changes in cheek cells are similar to those observed in regular cigarette smokers. They analyzed the epigenome, which is the information layer of DNA. Over 3,500 people participated in this new study.

 

According to Professor Martin Vidshvendtera, studying the phenotype genome of cells allows us to understand how the body responds to environmental factors such as smoking. He said, "In the same way, studying the phenotype genome can also help us predict future health conditions and diseases.

 

According to the latest scientific research, scientists have concluded through experiments that the population of people who use traditional tobacco and e-cigarettes have almost identical changes in their phenotypic genome. This phenomenon has even been observed in individuals who smoke less than 100 cigarettes. The changes in the phenotypic genome result in cancer cells growing faster within the epithelium.

 

Researchers believe that this new study confirms a theory that e-cigarettes are not as safe as the general public believes. Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh in the United States previously found that mint-flavored e-liquid is the least healthy option. This is because it produces the highest amount of toxic particles when mixed with other substances.

 

The consequences on the body include worsening lung function. Research has found that individuals who inhale menthol have less lung capacity compared to those who inhale other substances, regardless of age.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

2Firsts Hosts U.S. Market Mid-Year Briefing: Companies Need to Reassess Product and Market-Access Strategies
2Firsts Hosts U.S. Market Mid-Year Briefing: Companies Need to Reassess Product and Market-Access Strategies
2Firsts held its 2026 U.S. Market Compliance and Development Mid-Year Briefing in Shenzhen, China, on July 28. The discussion examined how state-level requirements, proposed foreign-establishment registration rules and expanding supply-chain responsibilities are changing product and investment decisions in the U.S. tobacco and nicotine market.
Jul.29
UK Proposes Stricter Vape Packaging Rules as Retailers Warn of £330 Million Impact
UK Proposes Stricter Vape Packaging Rules as Retailers Warn of £330 Million Impact
The UK government has launched a nationwide consultation on vape packaging, appearance and retail displays, proposing tighter rules to reduce youth appeal while industry groups warn of significant compliance costs.
Innovation
Jul.20
Australia’s Daily Smoking Rate Falls to Record Low of 5.8% as Nicotine Use Patterns Shift
Australia’s Daily Smoking Rate Falls to Record Low of 5.8% as Nicotine Use Patterns Shift
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s National Drug Strategy Household Survey, daily smoking among Australians aged 18 and over fell to a record low of 5.8% in 2025. Health Minister Mark Butler said Australia now has around 500,000 fewer daily smokers than three years ago and credited the government’s vaping reforms as part of broader progress. Among people aged 14 and over, daily smoking declined from 8.3% in 2022-23 to 5.6% in 2025. Daily vaping rates stabilised at 3.6%, while the government also moved to further restrict access to nicotine pouches through unapproved therapeutic import pathways.
Jul.21
Canada Recalls Siberia and ZYN Nicotine Pouches Over Unauthorized Sales
Canada Recalls Siberia and ZYN Nicotine Pouches Over Unauthorized Sales
Health Canada has issued a nationwide recall for nicotine pouch products sold under the Siberia and ZYN brands, citing a lack of market authorization. All affected lots are subject to the recall.
Jun.15
Illicit Vape and Nicotine Pouch Seizures Concentrated in UK Hotspots, New Data Shows
Illicit Vape and Nicotine Pouch Seizures Concentrated in UK Hotspots, New Data Shows
Freedom of Information (FOI) data from the UK shows that more than 3,000 seizures of illegal nicotine products were recorded in the 2024/25 financial year, with Hull, Liverpool and Bolton emerging as the most active enforcement hotspots — highlighting that the problem of illicit vapes, nicotine pouches and smokeless tobacco products persists across many parts of the country.
Jun.16
PMI U.S. Launches America250 Initiative, Introduces Limited-Edition ZYN Patriotic Storage Can
PMI U.S. Launches America250 Initiative, Introduces Limited-Edition ZYN Patriotic Storage Can
PMI U.S. launched its America250 initiative on June 1 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. As part of the program, the company introduced a limited-edition ZYN Patriotic Storage Can and released an IQOS U.S. Edition device. Beyond product-related activities, the initiative also includes innovation funding, nationwide events and community engagement programs.
PMI
Jun.05