Vaping damages the DNA of its users in a similar way to smokers who develop cancer, a new study has revealed.

Researchers at University College London found that vape users and cigarette smokers had similar changes to the DNA of cells in their mouth – with these changes linked to the future development of lung cancer in smokers.

It is the first major study to link vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, and an increased risk of cancer – but scientists said further research is required.

The study, published in Cancer Research, studied DNA from more than 3,500 people.

One of the study’s authors, Professor Martin Widschwendter, said vapes “might not be as harmless as originally thought”.

The lead author Dr Chiara Herzog added: “While the scientific consensus is that e-cigarettes are safer than smoking tobacco, we cannot assume they are completely safe to use and it is important to explore their potential long-term risks and links to cancer.

The NHS has said e-cigarettes are substantially safer than smoking tobacco and smokers are recommended to switch to vaping to improve their health.

Pregnant women and new mothers may get reduced sentences under new court rules

Mother left with life-long injuries after giving birth breaks ‘silence’ in bid to help others

NHS Dumfries and Galloway hit by cyber attack with patient and staff data at risk

But the DNA changes were also observed in vape users who had smoked fewer than 100 tobacco cigarettes in their lives.

‘E-cigarettes not risk-free’

Dr Ian Walker, Cancer Research UK’s executive director of policy, said: “This study contributes to our understanding of e-cigarettes, but it does not show that e-cigarettes cause cancer.

“Decades of research has proven the link between smoking and cancer, and studies have so far shown that e-cigarettes are far less harmful than smoking and can help people quit,” he said.

Read more from Sky News:
Kangaroo killed in shelling on Russia zoo
Greggs outlets ‘closed around UK’ after ‘IT glitch’
Privacy watchdog launches probe into Kate hospital ‘breach’

“This paper does, however, highlight that e-cigarettes are not risk-free, and so we need additional studies to uncover their potential longer-term impacts on human health.”

MPs are set to vote today on legislation that would restrict flavours and promotions of vapes, as well as ban smoking altogether for those born after 1 January 2009.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Dr Walker added: “Smoking tobacco causes 150 cases of cancer every single day in the UK, which is why we look forward to seeing the government’s age of sale legislation being presented in parliament.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

“Nothing would have a bigger impact on reducing the number of preventable deaths in the UK than ending smoking, and this policy will take us one step closer to a smoke-free future.”

Related posts:

Police officer lied to bosses about brother dying of cancer so he could get time off work Julian Assange granted permission to seek extradition appeal at Supreme Court Police request bail extension to investigate sexual assault allegations against Man United footballer Mason Greenwood Post Office workers walk out in fresh strike over pay Rapper stabbed to death at party in London Police officer who shot dead unarmed man suspended from duty ‘The lady’s not for turning up’: Truss ducks urgent question from Starmer on the economy Man says delivery men ‘abandoned sofa stuck on staircase’ – as firm refutes claims Injured worker recalls dramatic moment ship toppled in dry dock as legal firm launches probe Madeleine McCann reservoir search ends One person arrested after car hits Downing Street gates Barton insults left football pundit ‘scared to go out’ – and she’s now ‘considering legal action’