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Risk of diseases like asthma
The researchers found that two chemicals, diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione, affected the function of eyelashes – antenna-like protuberances that are present on 50-75% of the cells lining the human airways.
They play a key role in maintaining the human respiratory tract free of mucus and dirt and allow people to breathe easily and without irritation.
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How does it affect the lungs?
"Although the chemicals used to flavor e-cigs are frequently used, little is known about the mechanism of their impact on health," said Quan Lu, badociate professor at Harvard University in the United States .
"Our new study suggests that these chemicals could harm eyelashes – the first line of defense of the lungs – by altering the expression of genes related to eyelash production and function," said Lu.
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Chemical present in 90% of tested electronic cigarettes
Researchers previously found that more than 90% of the electronic cigarettes tested were present in flavoring agents – mainly diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione.
Diacetyl is also used as a flavoring agent in foods such as butter-flavored microwavable popcorn, baked goods and sweets.
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Can be dangerous when inhaled
It was previously linked to bronchiolitis obliterans, a debilitating lung disease dubbed "popcorn lung," as it first appeared in workers who inhaled artificial butter at microwave popcorn processing facilities.
After the link between diacetyl lung and popcorn has been reported, 2,3-pentanedione has sometimes been used as a substitute.
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Flavors never tested for inhalation safety
Such standards do not exist for users of electronic cigarettes, researchers said.
"Electronic cigarette users heat and inhale flavor chemicals that have never been tested for inhalation safety," Allen said.
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