New research shows that vaping alters thousands of genes, with the type of flavour and device used being the primary drivers of these biological changes, raising concerns about long-term health risks.

A University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine study published in Frontiers in Oncology found that among 35 vapers, 24 smokers, and 24 non-users, vapers showed altered activity in 3,124 genes, with fruit flavours linked to 31% of affected genes and multiple flavours to 64.3%, while advanced refillable 'mod' devices caused the strongest changes, and the findings have particular relevance as the FDA finalizes guidance on flavoured e-cigarette products.