Pregnant Mice Exposed to Vape Juice Ingredient Develop Babies with Smaller Skulls, Study Finds
A recent study has revealed that pregnant mice exposed to the base ingredient of most vape juices have given birth to babies with smaller, narrower skulls. This finding is alarming, particularly because the vapor used in the experiment did not contain any other chemicals typically found in vapes, not even nicotine. It suggests that even nicotine-free vapes may pose risks, especially during pregnancy.
The primary components of vape fluids usually consist of a carrier fluid, known as a humectant, which makes up the majority of the substance. The most common carriers are propylene glycol and glycerol (vegetable glycerine), combined with nicotine, flavors, and sweeteners.
Conducted by anatomist James Cray from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, the study aimed to determine the effects of carrier substances on the body. This foundational research allows for future experiments where researchers can introduce other components of vape fluid, such as nicotine, to the carrier with a clearer understanding of the potential effects attributed to each substance.
Cray and his team formulated two basic vape fluid formulas using propylene glycol and glycerol. One formula had a 50/50 mix of propylene glycol and glycerol, while the other had a 30/70 ratio. Interestingly, the study revealed that the 30/70 formula, which contained more glycerol, had more significant negative effects on skull and face development compared to the 50/50 formula.
During the study, pregnant mice were exposed to vape hits of one of the formulas or fresh air as a control, at a rate of one puff per minute for four hours a day, five days a week throughout their approximately 20-week pregnancies. The results showed that pups of mothers exposed to the 30/70 formula had notably smaller craniums and faces, with narrower and shorter features, including shorter noses.
Cray noted, “What we see is a consistent narrowing of all of the facial features and the same thing as we move back into the cranium as well. So globally they’re narrower and a little bit shorter-headed, which does mimic some observable changes that we see in children.”
While the study provides valuable insights into the potential risks of vape fluids, further research is needed to fully understand the health impacts, especially considering the variability in vape contents due to lack of market regulation. The findings highlight the importance of studying nicotine-free products as extensively as nicotine-laden ones to ensure consumer safety.
The study, published in PLOS One, underscores the need for continued investigation into the safety of vaping products, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant individuals.
