BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM — Vaping can harm important immune system cells, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham found e-cigarette vapor disabled vital immune cells in the lungs and increased inflammation, the BBC reported.
The small scale study was led by Professor David Thickett, and the results published in the online journal Thorax.
The experiment used a mechanical procedure to mimic vaping, using lung tissue samples from eight non-smokers.
Scientists found the vapor caused inflammation and negatively affected alveolar macrophages, cells that remove harmful dust particles, bacteria and allergens.

Changes in the lung tissue occurred over 48 hours, however the group advise that further research is needed to understand long-term health complications from vaping.

Thickett said while e-cigarettes may be safer than traditional cigarettes, they could still be harmful if used long-term.