Research Reveals Lower Toxic Exposure in Pregnant Women Who Vape

Recent research conducted by scientists at City St George's, University of London, has revealed that pregnant women who vape are exposed to significantly lower levels of toxic chemicals compared to those who smoke cigarettes. The study, published on June 21, 2025, in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research, highlights the pressing health considerations surrounding smoking cessation during pregnancy and the growing trend of vaping as an alternative.

The study involved 140 pregnant women recruited from five hospitals across the UK, categorized into five distinct groups based on their nicotine use: exclusive smokers, exclusive vapers who previously smoked, dual users of smoking and vaping, users of nicotine replacement therapy, and those with no prior nicotine or tobacco history. Urine samples collected during routine antenatal appointments were analyzed for levels of nicotine and 14 specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are known toxicants associated with smoking and vaping.

According to Professor Michael Ussher, a leading researcher in behavioral medicine at City St George's, the study demonstrated that women who exclusively vaped exhibited significantly lower levels of 10 VOCs, with reductions ranging from 44% to 97% when compared to exclusive smokers. Furthermore, levels of 13 VOCs in exclusive vapers were found to be comparable to those in women who had never used nicotine or tobacco products. This finding underscores the potential for vaping to serve as a less harmful alternative for pregnant women attempting to quit smoking.

Despite these encouraging results, Professor Ussher cautioned that lower exposure to toxic chemicals does not equate to safety. He emphasized the necessity for ongoing research to assess the health impacts of vaping during pregnancy. "Understanding exposure to these toxins in pregnant women is only one half of the picture. We are now embarking on the most rigorously designed study to date to explore whether vaping during pregnancy brings any harmful health outcomes for the mother or baby," said Ussher. The researchers note that while their analysis focused on known toxins at the time of the study, many vaping products are continually evolving, potentially introducing new harmful substances that have not yet been studied.

The collaborative study involved contributions from notable institutions, including the University of Nottingham, University College London, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The complexity of nicotine consumption during pregnancy remains a critical issue, as many women are adopting vaping as a cessation tool despite the lack of comprehensive safety data.

In conclusion, while vaping may reduce exposure to certain harmful substances compared to smoking, the long-term effects on pregnant women and their babies remain largely unknown. As the landscape of vaping products changes, it is imperative for further research to examine the health implications and to ensure that the health of both mothers and infants is safeguarded. The findings from this study illuminate the need for healthcare providers to inform pregnant women about the potential risks associated with nicotine use, regardless of the method of consumption.