Investigating the lung effects of menthol and tobacco flavored e-cigarettes
Official title: Pulmonary toxicological evaluation and chemical interactions of menthol, mint, and tobacco flavored e-cigarette products
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-10930941 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how menthol, mint, and tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes can harm lung health, especially with long-term use, to help people understand the risks of flavored vaping products.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00ES033835-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930941 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who regularly use menthol or tobacco flavored e-cigarettes and may be experiencing respiratory issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use e-cigarettes or are not affected by respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the toxic effects of menthol, mint, and tobacco flavored e-cigarettes on lung health. It utilizes cell culture and mouse models to identify harmful chemicals in these products and their biological impacts. The study aims to understand how these flavors may interact chemically and contribute to lung toxicity, particularly with prolonged exposure. By validating the toxicants found in e-cigarette aerosols, the research seeks to provide insights into the health risks associated with flavored vaping products.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and regulation of flavored e-cigarettes, potentially reducing lung-related health issues for users.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential health risks associated with flavored e-cigarettes, suggesting that this investigation builds on established findings rather than exploring entirely novel territory.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Muthumalage, Thivanka Mudalige — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Muthumalage, Thivanka Mudalige
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.