Colorado State University’s Magzamen Lab has begun a study regarding the effects of electronic cigarettes on viral infections. Research associate Sherry WeMott explained that the study plans to focus on the “nasal virome,” or the “nasal ecosystem,” as it relates to different viruses. She said previous studies have found that cigarette users often have lower “diversity” in the viruses within their respiratory tract, but are more susceptible to harmful pathogens.

“Our main objective here is to determine if e-cigarette use leads to this decreased diversity in the nasal virome,” WeMott said.