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smoking-related diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

“These findings suggested that these products are certainly not inert and could cause widespread changes before the onset of disease,” Baglole said.

So, what is actually in the ‘vape juice’ within each of these JUUL pods?

“What is provided by the manufacturer is the solvent, the carrier if you will. The most common one is a mixture of [...] propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin,” Baglole explained. “Most e-liquids contain nicotine and a variety of chemicals that make up the flavourings.”

When the vape pen is activated, the atomizer, also known as the heating coil, is switched on, and the e-liquid in the cartridge is heated and turned into a vapour to be inhaled.

“Some metals are used in the heating coils of e-cigarettes,” Baglole said. “Metals such as nickel, chromium, arsenic, as well as lead have been detected in the aerosols. There have been some studies that have found higher levels of these metals in [blood and urine samples] of e-cigarette users as well.”

Though the effects of inhaling these chemicals and metals are not well-researched because of the relative novelty of e-cigarettes, some data suggest that they might induce an inflammatory response in the lungs.

“Chronic inflammation, if left unchecked and unbalanced for a long time, can lead to cardiopulmonary diseases,” Baglole added.

While e-cigarettes might have the potential for harm, Baglole believes that we must find a balance in regulating these products because giving “active smok - ers access to products like e-cigarettes, in order to quit smoking, is a worthy goal.” But, she adds, “we don’t want to make access so easy that youth are particularly inclined to pick up these e-cigarettes.”

When asked for her takeaways from studying vaping, Baglole said, “Our results and others have shown that these products are not inert. My advice would be if you don’t smoke, don’t vape.”