Vaping chemical may pose risk to unborn babies, say scientists

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, August 13, 2026

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside found that vanillin, a common flavoring in e-cigarettes, can disrupt embryonic stem cell development and cause cell death in laboratory tests. These findings raise concerns about the potential risks of vaping during pregnancy and have led to calls for health authorities to warn expectant mothers and require clearer ingredient labeling on vaping products.

Scientists at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) have raised concerns that vanillin, a flavoring chemical commonly used in e-cigarettes, could pose risks to fetal development. Their findings have prompted calls for health authorities, including the NHS, to warn pregnant women about potential dangers associated with vaping.

The research focused on the effects of vanillin on embryonic stem cells, which have the ability to develop into any cell type and play a critical role in the formation of the embryo and fetus. In laboratory tests, scientists observed that exposure to low doses of vanillin disrupted the typical development of these stem cells, while higher doses resulted in cell death. The concentrations used in the experiments were designed to reflect levels potentially experienced by pregnant women who vape.

Prof Pru Talbot, who led the study, explained that vanillin interacts with a specific receptor, TRPV4, found on embryonic stem cells. This interaction triggered a rapid influx of calcium ions that impaired the cells’ functionality. According to the research team, these disruptions could interfere with the development of essential tissues, including the nervous system and muscles. Prof Talbot emphasized that the findings suggest vanillin exposure could hinder normal embryonic development.

While the research was conducted using a laboratory model rather than on pregnant women directly, the team indicated that vaping during pregnancy could allow small amounts of vanillin to reach the developing embryo. They highlighted concerns that consumers may not be fully aware of the ingredients in vaping products, advocating for clearer labeling and physician guidance to discourage vaping during pregnancy.

The NHS currently states that vaping presents fewer risks than traditional smoking. However, the UCR researchers urged regulators to enforce mandatory disclosure of ingredients on vape product packaging to inform users more effectively.

Not all experts shared the same level of caution. Prof Benedikt Berninger, a developmental neurobiologist at King’s College London, described the evidence as "very speculative," pointing to the study’s reliance on a simplified in vitro model and limited data. He suggested that further research would be needed to establish definitive links between vanillin exposure from vaping and adverse fetal outcomes.

The study adds to ongoing discussions about the safety of vaping during pregnancy, underscoring a need for more comprehensive evaluation of e-cigarette chemicals and their potential effects on embryonic development.

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