Canterbury University Study Finds Vaping Chemicals Likely Carcinogenic Based on Animal Data and Chemical Analysis

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:04:00 +0200

A new study from the University of Canterbury, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, analyzed the chemical composition of vape aerosol and assessed its potential cancer risk by comparing it with data from animal studies. Lead author Professor Ian Shaw, a toxicologist, explained that the research examined common vape juice ingredients and the harmful compounds produced when they are heated, such as formaldehyde. These substances were found to reach doses in vaping that are comparable to levels known to cause cancer in animals. Shaw emphasized that while vaping is likely less harmful than traditional cigarette smoking and can serve as a quitting aid, it still carries an increased cancer risk that is unacceptable for non-smokers who start vaping recreationally. The study also noted that vape chemicals can trigger lung inflammation, which may indirectly promote cancer by increasing cell division. However, definitive proof in humans would require long-term epidemiological data, whic