Identifying harmful substances from electronic cigarette use
Official title: Identification of Free Radical Induced Biomarkers of Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Aerosol
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11061904 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the harmful chemicals in e-cigarette smoke can damage our cells, especially in young people, to help us better understand the risks of using e-cigarettes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $240,043 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HL147346-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061904 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who use electronic cigarettes, particularly youths who are at higher risk of exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use electronic cigarettes or are not exposed to e-cig aerosol may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the harmful effects of electronic cigarette (e-cig) aerosol, particularly focusing on free radicals that may cause cellular damage. By using advanced techniques like electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, the study aims to identify specific biomarkers that indicate exposure to e-cig aerosols. The research will analyze how these free radicals interact with body tissues and potentially contribute to diseases such as cancer. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a clearer understanding of the risks associated with e-cig use, especially for young users.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of specific biomarkers that help assess the health risks of e-cigarette use.
How similar studies have gone: While research on e-cigarettes is ongoing, the specific approach of identifying free radical biomarkers is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bitzer, Zachary T — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Bitzer, Zachary T
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.