Does Vaping Increase the Risk of Dementia?

Aims and Objectives

While the detrimental effects of air pollution on respiratory and cardiovascular health are well established; there is limited understanding on the adverse effects of air pollutants on cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g dementia). Furthermore, e-cigarettes (e-cigs) have become increasingly common in the recent decade, often being promoted as a safer alternative to smoking. We hypothesize that the aerosols produced from e-cigs during vaping have the potential to contribute to cognitive decline or exacerbate existing conditions that may lead to dementia.

In the present cross-cutting proof of concept study, through laboratory-based experiments, we will quantify the key constituents released during e-cig vaping and their impact on the human body at the cellular and molecular level. Through this new collaboration between environment, biology and biophysics we will pave the way for a more comprehensive understanding of how environmental factors impact neurological/brain health, fostering advancements in both scientific knowledge and public health interventions.

Project Outputs

Preliminary experiments are now underway, with early findings revealing the presence of several neurotoxic compounds in e-cigarette aerosols. These results reinforce our hypothesis and underscore the urgency of further investigation. As we expand our interdisciplinary approach, we remain committed to uncovering how chemicals present in e-cigarettes may silently shape neurological health across the lifespan.

Pravardhan Hemanth Raj's Master’s Dissertation Project: E-Cigarette Characterization and Heavy Metal Analysis

Pravardhan’s interest in air pollution sparked his decision to explore the characterization of e-cigarettes for his MSc dissertation (2023–24), building on his broader curiosity about how analytical chemistry can be used to study environmental contaminants. The project was a strong fit, allowing him to combine his interest in pollutants with hands-on research.

Focusing on the analysis of heavy metals in e-cigarette aerosols and e-liquids, Pravardhan developed and refined methods to detect trace amounts of metals such as lead, cadmium, and nickel. He discovered that some devices exhibited higher levels of these metals than expected -findings with potential implications for both consumer health and future regulatory standards.

Beyond the academic impact, this work had personal and professional benefits: Pravardhan later wrote to say that the skills and experience gained through this project directly helped him secure a full-time role as a Laboratory Technician at IMERYS. This outcome is both a testament to the value of the research and a source of pride for all involved.

Laboratory setting with person in white lab coat conducting an experiment

Principal and Co-Investigators

Principal Investigator

Darpan Das (Dept of Environment and Geography)

Co-Investigators

Steven Quinn (School of Physics, Engineering and Technology)

Ines Hahn (Department of Biology)