A major study shows that children who vape are more likely to suffer from respiratory problems, poor mental health and a host of other health problems.
Experts warned that vaping is a “gateway” to tobacco smoking and “should not be seen as a harmless part of growing up.”
Doctors from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) examined all published research on vaping among young people. They are now urging ministers to ‘go further’ than the restrictions proposed in the Tobacco and Vape Act.
About 5.5 million people, including nearly a million 11- to 17-year-olds, are believed to vape. Experts warn that colorful packaging and sweet flavors have helped entice young people.
The RCPCH analyzed 81 studies on the health and social effects of vaping among young people. It was associated with breathing problems including wheezing and coughing, anxiety, depression and panic disorders.
The analysis also found links with sleep problems, eye conditions and oral health problems such as inflammation, ulcers and dry mouth. There was also evidence of harm in babies whose mothers vaped during pregnancy, including ‘more abnormal reflexes’, ‘lower motor maturity’, poorer self-regulation and higher risks of poor weight gain.
The doctors published their findings in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, writing: ‘There is strong evidence… that vaping predicts and increases the risk of smoking initiation among young people who have never smoked.
“There is consistent evidence… that young people who vape are more likely to report coughing, wheezing and other respiratory symptoms than non-vapers.”
A major study shows that children who vape are more likely to suffer from respiratory problems, poor mental health and a host of other health problems.
They added: ‘Evidence is emerging for a wider range of likely health harms specifically affecting CYP (children and young people), including mental health, oral and dental health, allergies, sleep, eye symptoms and adverse perinatal outcomes for infants exposed to nicotine during pregnancy.’
It comes after the number of people who vaped in Britain smoked cigarettes for the first time last year, rising by 5.5 million and 4.9 million respectively.
In July, the government announced plans for plain packaging and rules forcing manufacturers to replace tempting flavor names inspired by sweets, desserts and alcohol with simple descriptors such as “apple.”
Professor Will Carroll, co-author of the review, said: ‘Vaping should not be seen as a harmless part of growing up.
‘As paediatricians, we call on the government to go further and limit the types of flavors available, rather than just their descriptions.’
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘Children should never vape. “We have already banned single-use vapes and have passed legislation to also ban advertising and sponsorship from next year.”
