Scientists from the University of Birmingham will examine the long-term impact of vaping on people who have quit smoking. About 200 participants will be recruited through the NHS staff smoking cessation clinic at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and community stop-smoking services. Half will receive nicotine replacement therapy (patches or gum) and half will use vapes. Over 12 months, researchers will collect samples to assess lung health and compare results with a control group of 40 people who have never smoked or vaped.

Lead researcher Dr Aaron Scott said the study will look at how vaping affects the airway immune cells and the epithelial cells that line the lungs. “We will study how vaping affects important airway immune cells and the epithelial cells which line the insides of the lung,” he said. Samples will be analysed for genes and proteins over time and for the buildup of toxicants in the airways. The project has £1.55 million in funding from the Medical Research Council, part of UKRI.

Professor David Thickett, the clinical lead, said: “This study will provide critical data needed to understand the safety of vaping as a short-term smoking cessation strategy and the potential for harm in longer-term usage so people can make an informed personal choice about whether to quit with e-cigarettes and how long to use them after swapping to stop.” England’s chief medical officer, Sir Chris Whitty, has said: “If you smoke, vaping is much safer; if you don’t smoke, don’t vape.” Asthma and Lung UK’s Jonathan Blades called for more research and for Government action on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Our health advice is clear: while vapes are less harmful than smoking and can be an effective aid to quit smoking, children and non-smokers should never vape. Our Tobacco and Vapes Bill will create the first smoke-free generation and stop the next generation from getting hooked on nicotine.”