Investigating the impact of e-cigarette use on lung health due to metal exposure.

Metal Exposure and Subclinical Lung Disease in Adult E-cigarette Users

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11017710

This study is looking at how using e-cigarettes might affect the lungs of teens and young adults, especially by checking for early signs of lung problems caused by harmful metals in e-cigarette vapor.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11017710 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how e-cigarette use may lead to subclinical lung disease, particularly in adolescents and young adults. It aims to evaluate the potential risks associated with inhaling metals found in e-cig aerosols, which are not well understood. The study will utilize advanced imaging techniques, such as CT and MRI, to detect early signs of lung injury in e-cig users. By identifying these risks, the research seeks to provide insights into the long-term respiratory health implications of e-cigarette use.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults who actively use e-cigarettes.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use e-cigarettes or have pre-existing severe lung conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of lung disease related to e-cigarette use.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use, but this specific investigation into metal exposure and subclinical lung disease is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.