Vape users are inhaling 'acutely toxic' compounds that could cause 'a new wave of chronic diseases' in the next couple of decades, a new study warns.

Researchers in Ireland have used artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate the chemical reactions that take place inside flavoured vapes, also known as e-cigarettes.

They found that e-liquids – the liquid inside that gives vapes their flavour – contain a 'cocktail' of chemicals that produce 'toxic' compounds when heated.

Vaping has a 'significantly different profile of chemical hazards' compared with traditional tobacco smoking', the study authors report. 

While they don't say vaping is more harmful than smoking tobacco, they're concerned that new health issues will result from the vaping craze.

Based on the chemical compounds predicted by the AI, these could include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and cancers.  

Already, research has linked vaping with heart failure, lung disease and gum disease, although according to the NHS and health experts, evidence shows that vaping is much less harmful than smoking.

Vaping has become widely adopted as an alternative to traditional smoking with around 4.5 million people in the UK regularly using e-cigarettes.