Key facts
- Young people who vape risk developing breathing problems and becoming smokers, according to children's doctors.
- A review by the Royal College of Child and Paediatrics Health found links between vaping and respiratory symptoms, nicotine dependence, and gateway to cigarette smoking.
- The review also identified evidence of poor oral/dental health and negative mental health outcomes associated with vaping.
- Doctors are urging the government to implement measures like plain packaging and restrictions on vape flavour names.
- The government has banned single-use vapes and plans to ban advertising and sponsorship.
Young people who start vaping face significant health risks, including breathing problems and an increased likelihood of transitioning to smoking cigarettes, according to a comprehensive review by the Royal College of Child and Paediatrics Health (RCPCH).
The review, which analyzed 14,000 published articles and 81 studies, consistently links child vaping to poor respiratory health, such as coughing, wheezing, bronchitis symptoms, and asthma exacerbations. It also found that vapes can act as a gateway to smoking traditional cigarettes.
Professor Will Carroll, a co-author of the review, stated that vaping should not be considered harmless for young people, citing clear links to respiratory symptoms, nicotine dependence, and subsequent cigarette smoking. He urged the government to swiftly implement measures announced under the Tobacco and Vapes Act, which include plain packaging, relocating vapes to less visible areas in shops, and restricting appealing flavour names.
Carroll also called for further action, such as limiting the variety of available flavours. Vaping has seen a dramatic surge in popularity over the last decade, with experimentation and regular use among adolescents increasing significantly. An estimated one in five 11-17-year-olds in Britain have tried vaping.
Cardiologists, researchers, and health experts have expressed grave concern over the harmful effects of e-cigarettes on teenagers globally, noting exposure to toxins and carcinogens. The RCPCH review also identified evidence connecting vaping to poor oral and dental health, including inflammation and ulcers, as well as negative mental health outcomes like anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Emerging research suggests potential impacts on sleep, eye health, and allergies, alongside adverse effects on infants exposed to nicotine in utero.
Dr Mike McKean, RCPCH vice-president for policy, highlighted that as vaping is a relatively new product, its long-term impact on children remains largely unknown. However, a concerning picture is emerging, necessitating continued research and monitoring. He emphasized that the Tobacco and Vapes Act is a crucial step but not a final solution, requiring ongoing adaptation to the rapidly evolving market.
Andrew McCracken of Asthma + Lung UK called for more research and a faster policy response to protect children's lungs, criticizing vape manufacturers' marketing tactics. Hazel Cheeseman of Action on Smoking and Health stressed the importance of strong controls on marketing and promotion to reduce youth vaping, while ensuring adult smokers can still access vapes for cessation. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson affirmed the government's commitment to protecting children through the Tobacco and Vapes Act, noting the ban on single-use vapes and upcoming restrictions on advertising.