Investigating the respiratory effects of e-cigarette use in young adults
Official title: Respiratory Effects, Metal and Aldehyde exposure from e-cigarette use in young adults (REMA)
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11144631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using e-cigarettes might impact the lung health of young adults by comparing those who use e-cigs to those who don’t, to see if there are any harmful effects from the chemicals in e-cigs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00ES034507-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 21 and older who use e-cigarettes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use e-cigarettes or are under the age of 21 may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on how using electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) affects respiratory health in young adults, particularly looking at the exposure to harmful chemicals like metals and aldehydes. The study will recruit participants to compare e-cig users with non-users, assessing biomarkers that indicate chemical exposure and respiratory inflammation. By understanding the relationship between e-cigarette use and respiratory health, the research aims to identify potential health risks associated with these devices. The findings could help inform public health strategies and regulations regarding e-cigarette use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and mitigation of respiratory health risks associated with e-cigarette use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown concerning health effects from traditional smoking and some e-cigarette studies, but this specific investigation into new e-cig devices is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aherrera, Angela — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Aherrera, Angela
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Respiratory effects of metal and aldehyde exposure from e-cigarette use in young adults
Young adults who use e-cigarettes may inhale metals and aldehydes that could affect their breathing and cause inflammation.
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A study to understand whether vaping or traditional cigarettes cause early lung damage in young adults.
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This project looks at whether using e-cigarettes (vaping) changes brain development and thinking skills in children and teenagers.
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.