New research has found that vaping damages your lungs just as much as smoking cigarettes.

The study compared vapers and smokers in a strenuous exercise test and found that both groups were less fit and out of breath than people the same age who do not vape or smoke.

Researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University asked 60 people in their 20s to have their lung capacity recorded by spending time on a static exercise bike. 20 were non-smokers, 20 others had vaped for at least two years, and the other 20 had smoked for at least two years.

The vapers’ “peak exercise capacity” was very similar to that of the smokers, but much lower than that of the non-smokers and non-vapers. Vapers and smokers were also found to be less able to take in oxygen than those who neither smoked nor vaped.

“The study adds to growing evidence that long-term use of vaping is harmful and challenges the idea that vaping could be a healthier alternative to smoking”, said study lead Dr Azmy Faisal and his co-authors of the study. “Both vapers and smokers showed signs that their blood vessels were not working as well as the non-smoking and non-vaping group, according to the blood tests and ultrasound scans.”

“The smokers and the vapers were more out of breath, experienced intense leg fatigue and had higher levels of lactate in their blood, a sign of muscle fatigue, even before they reached their maximum level of exercise,” he continued.

Disposable vapes are set to be banned in England from 1 April 2025 – but in light of the mounting body of research which suggests that inhaling a cocktail of various fruit-flavoured chemicals might not be good for you, you might be best off putting that Red Apple Ice Lost Mary down sooner rather than later.