Think vaping is a safer alternative to smoking? A new study suggests the risks could bebigger than many users realize.

Lung conditions—raising fresh concerns about the long-term impact of e-cigarettes.

The study, published in Frontiers in Oncology, analyzed gene activity in vapers, smokers, and non-users. Scientists discovered that fruit-flavoured vapes and refillable devices were associated with the most significant biological changes.

"We found that flavourings and device characteristics play a crucial role," said Professor Ahmad Besaratinia of the University of Southern California.

Using cells collected from inside participants' cheeks, researchers identified genetic changes connected to disease-related pathways, with cancer showing the strongest link.

The findings add to growing concerns over vaping's long-term health effects. While health experts continue to view vaping as less harmful than smoking, they also stress that it is far from risk-free—and many of its long-term consequences remain unknown.

As regulators worldwide tighten restrictions on vaping products, this latest research could add fuel to the debate over whether flavored vapes are as harmless as they seem.