New Study Uncovers Hidden Risk in Vaping Devices as Experts Issue Fresh Warning

The long-term health effects of vaping are still largely unknown, but new research is shedding light on a surprising and concerning risk that could impact millions of users.

Originally marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, vaping continues to spark debate among scientists, regulators, and healthcare professionals. While many people turn to e-cigarettes to avoid the dangers of tobacco, the reality is that the long-term consequences of regular vaping have not been fully mapped out.

Now, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Florida has discovered an unexpected hazard: certain vape attachments could provide the perfect breeding ground for harmful fungi.

Fungus found on disposable vape mouthpieces

The research team examined a batch of disposable vapes and found that more than half of the devices carried fungal growth on their mouthpieces.

Speaking to New Scientist, co-author Dr Jason Smith explained, "The residues left behind inside the vape device may provide a food source for moulds to grow."

To rule out the possibility that the fungi came from users’ mouths, the scientists compared samples taken from the vapes with those from each participant’s oral microbiome. The results showed that the contamination was specific to the devices themselves, not simply a transfer from the users.

The most common type of fungus detected was Cystobasidium minutum. While not a household name, this microorganism poses real health risks, especially for people with weakened immune systems, as it has been linked to blood infections.

The study revealed fungi can grow on the mouthpiece of a vape

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Beyond infections, researchers warned that this kind of contamination could play a role in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a group of progressive lung conditions that includes emphysema, which damages the tiny air sacs in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis, which causes long-term inflammation in the airways.

Symptoms of COPD can include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, frequent chest infections, and wheezing.

Lead author Dr Borna Mehrad emphasized the seriousness of the findings, saying, "We found that the fungus that was most prevalent in the vape samples caused features of chronic bronchitis in mice."

This means that over time, something as simple as a contaminated vape mouthpiece could contribute to long-term breathing difficulties and lung damage.

Potential links to chronic lung disease

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Experts urge users to clean devices

In light of the study, scientists are now encouraging vape users to regularly clean their mouthpieces to reduce the risk of fungal contamination. This advice is particularly relevant for those using disposable devices, which often aren’t designed to be cleaned or reused safely.

The discovery adds to a growing list of concerns surrounding vaping. Previous studies have already highlighted the ways e-cigarette chemicals interact with the body. A video from The Infographics Show illustrated how vape chemicals can paralyze the lungs’ cilia — tiny hair-like structures that clear out mucus and debris — leaving the body vulnerable to infections. According to the simulation, it can take weeks for the lungs to recover after exposure.

Dangers of vaping

Real-world consequences

The scientific warnings are mirrored by troubling real-world cases. Reports continue to surface of young people experiencing life-threatening complications linked to vaping. In one case, a teenager nearly died from brain swelling after sharing a vape on a night out. In another, a man was given just a one percent chance of survival after becoming severely addicted.

These stories, combined with emerging research, suggest that while vaping may have been positioned as a harm-reduction tool, it is far from risk-free.

As the body of evidence grows, one thing is clear: vaping may carry more hidden dangers than previously thought. Researchers stress that while more studies are needed, users should remain cautious — and something as simple as keeping a vape mouthpiece clean could make a difference.