A new study from Ohio State University shows that vaping during pregnancy—even without nicotine—can affect a baby’s skull development in the womb.
Researchers tested two common e-cigarette ingredients: propylene glycol and glycerol. These substances were given to pregnant mice as vapor in different mixtures (50:50 and 30:70) for 20 days. One group of mice only inhaled clean air.
The results showed that baby mice exposed to the 30:70 mix had smaller skull sizes, raising concerns about bone growth and facial development.
Dr. James Cray, the lead researcher, said the findings were surprising because no nicotine was used, yet they still saw harmful effects.
He warned that many people think nicotine-free vaping is safe, but this study suggests it may still harm unborn babies. While the research was done on animals, experts say it’s a strong reason to be cautious.
Health officials stress that pregnancy is a sensitive time, and even harmless-seeming substances could have serious effects on fetal development.
