A new study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine has brought critical insight into the health risks associated with e-cigarettes, clarifying their potential link to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The research, involving data from nearly 250,000 people, underscores the importance of understanding the long-term impact of vaping.
Clarifying the Risks: E-Cigarettes and COPD
The study, published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research on March 15, 2025, reveals that while both e-cigarettes and traditional combustible cigarettes are linked to higher risks of COPD, the effect of smoking traditional cigarettes remains more dangerous. This new analysis, which includes data from almost four years of observation, highlights the risks of e-cigarettes as they continue to gain popularity, especially among young adults.
Researchers found that, although e-cigarette use is linked to an increased risk of COPD, this risk was substantially lower compared to the use of combustible cigarettes. This finding should serve as a key point for public health advice and regulations on vaping products, which have become a pervasive form of tobacco use in the U.S.
Methodology and Scope of the Study
The analysis used data from 249,190 individuals, with 203,932 reporting no use of either e-cigarettes or combustible cigarettes, 3,164 exclusively using e-cigarettes, 33,778 exclusively using combustible cigarettes, and 8,316 using both forms of tobacco. Over the study’s four-year follow-up, researchers tracked the onset of health conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, COPD, heart failure, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
The findings revealed that exclusive use of e-cigarettes was not significantly associated with the development of type 2 diabetes, heart failure, or cardiovascular disease. However, there was a clear and significant association with the development of COPD, further emphasizing the risks posed by vaping. Additionally, a smaller but noticeable increase in the risk of hypertension was observed among those aged 30-70 who exclusively used e-cigarettes.
The Growing Popularity of E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes have seen a sharp rise in use, especially among younger demographics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that e-cigarette use among young adults grew from 3.7% in 2020 to 4.5% in 2021. In 2021, 29.4% of adults who vaped also smoked combustible cigarettes. While marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, the growing body of evidence indicates that e-cigarettes still carry significant health risks.
E-cigarette aerosols, while containing fewer toxic chemicals than cigarette smoke, still contain potentially harmful compounds and high levels of nicotine. These elements can be addictive and contribute to long-term health issues, such as those highlighted in the recent study.
Implications for Public Health and Regulation
The findings of this study underscore the need for clearer guidance and stricter regulations regarding the use of e-cigarettes, particularly as they become more popular among adolescents and young adults. While e-cigarettes may be a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking, they still pose serious risks, particularly to respiratory health.
Furthermore, the study’s focus on COPD adds another layer to the growing body of evidence linking vaping with respiratory diseases. COPD, a debilitating condition, is already responsible for a significant portion of tobacco-related deaths, and as e-cigarette use rises, this disease may increasingly be linked to vaping as well.
A Step Toward Better Understanding
This Johns Hopkins-led analysis is a significant step in addressing the gaps in our understanding of the health risks of e-cigarettes. By focusing on long-term, high-quality data, the research provides important insights into how exclusive e-cigarette use can impact health, particularly in terms of respiratory conditions like COPD.
As public health officials and policymakers work to craft informed regulations, studies like these will be crucial in shaping a more accurate and comprehensive view of the risks associated with e-cigarettes.
