Scientists at the University of Birmingham are to follow former smokers for a year to investigate the long-term health effects of vaping as a smoking cessation aid. 

The EVALUATE study, led by Dr Aaron Scott, associate professor in respiratory science at the university, aims to determine how long people should continue vaping after quitting and whether the habit poses any risks to lung health.

The £1.46 million project, funded by the Medical Research Council, will explore how vaping affects lung and immune cells, inflammatory markers, and the airways.

“These cell types play a critical role in the development of smoking-related lung diseases,” said Scott. Researchers said that studying immune and lung cell changes would offer clearer insight into vaping’s impact on lung health. 

Lung Health to Be Closely Monitored

The study will recruit 200 participants from the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust’s staff smoking cessation clinic and community stop-smoking services. 

Half will receive nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum, while the other half will be given e-cigarettes. Researchers will monitor participants over 12 months, comparing their lung health to that of 40 people who have never smoked or vaped. 

Samples will be analysed to track changes in gene and protein expression, as well as the accumulation of toxic substances in the airways after vaping. 

Previous research from Scott’s laboratory at the university has shown that toxicants formed by the breakdown of e-liquid vapour can damage immune cells independently of nicotine.

WHO Warns of Rising Global Vaping Rates

The study announcement follows the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) latest global report showing that tobacco use fell from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024. However, 1 in 5 adults still use tobacco, according to the WHO.

The report also warned that global e-cigarette use was rising at an “alarming” rate, with more than 100 million people worldwide now vaping — including at least 15 million adolescents aged 13-15.

Jonathan Blades, director of external affairs at Asthma and Lung UK, said the new research was vital given the lack of evidence about vaping’s long-term health impact.

David Thickett, clinical lead for the study and professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Birmingham, said the research would “help people make an informed personal choice about whether to quit with e-cigarettes and how long to continue using them after stopping”.

Rob Hicks is a retired National Health Service doctor. A well-known TV and radio broadcaster, he has written several books and has regularly contributed to national newspapers, magazines, and online publications. He is based in the United Kingdom.