Investigating the respiratory effects of e-cigarette use in young adults

Respiratory Effects, Metal and Aldehyde exposure from e-cigarette use in young adults (REMA)

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11144631

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11144631 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 21 and older who use e-cigarettes.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use e-cigarettes or are under the age of 21 may not receive benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Philadelphia, 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.