Doctors warn that vaping poses significant health risks to children and young people, with a major review linking it to respiratory issues, nicotine dependence, and long-term cardiovascular dangers, prompting calls for stricter regulations on flavors and marketing.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has issued a stark warning about the health risks of vaping for children, citing a comprehensive review of 81 studies that found associations between e-cigarette use and respiratory problems, nicotine addiction, and long-term health consequences. The findings, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, highlight growing concerns about the appeal of vaping to young people and the need for stronger regulatory measures.
Review Links Vaping to Respiratory and Mental Health Risks
The RCPCH’s review found that vaping is linked to higher rates of wheezing, coughing, and asthma, with current users facing a higher risk of respiratory diseases. Co-author Prof Will Carroll emphasized that the evidence shows clear links with respiratory symptoms, nicotine dependence, and subsequent cigarette smoking.
The study also noted associations with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, as well as oral and dental health problems.
Dr Mike McKean, vice-president for policy of the RCPCH, called for strong controls on marketing and promotion
to reduce youth vaping, adding that the UK’s recently passed Tobacco and Vapes Act is an important step
but must not be seen as a one-and-done solution.
The review recommended limiting the types of flavors available, not just their descriptions, to make vaping less attractive to children.
Cardiovascular Dangers and Long-Term Concerns
Cardiologists and researchers have raised alarms about the cardiovascular risks of vaping, particularly for adolescents. Prof Maja-Lisa Løchen, a senior cardiologist at the University hospital of North Norway, warned that vaping may cause irreversible harm to children’s hearts and brains, citing a study that linked it to a 32% increased risk of stroke. She emphasized that nicotine exposure during adolescence has a very harmful effect on developing brains
and could lead to long-term cardiovascular damage.
The RCPCH’s review also highlighted that vaping during pregnancy can harm fetal development, with evidence of more abnormal reflexes
and lower motor maturity
in babies exposed to nicotine.
UAE Cases Highlight Life-Threatening Risks
In the UAE, a 16-year-old was hospitalized with severe lung inflammation linked to vaping, according to Dr Yazeed Abed El Khaleq, Consultant Pulmonology at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi. The case underscores growing concerns about the popularity of vaping among adolescents, with a significant proportion of teens in some regions using e-cigarettes. Dr Prabhu Prasad N.C., Specialist Pulmonologist at RAK Hospital, noted that young users often underestimate the risks, believing vaping is “less harmful” than smoking.
Dr Yazeed called for stronger public awareness campaigns, stating that many young patients do not fully understand that vapes and newer nicotine products can still be addictive and harmful.
Social Media and Peer Pressure Fuel Youth Vaping
New research from Australia reveals that teens are 15 times more likely to vape if their friends do, with social media playing a significant role in glamorizing the habit. A study in Nicotine and Tobacco Research found that vaping is often portrayed as “trendy” and “healthier” than smoking, despite its risks. Dr Gary Chung Kai Chan of the University of Queensland urged stricter social media regulations to curb the spread of harmful messaging.
Government Measures and Ongoing Challenges
The UK government has launched a 12-week consultation on plain packaging for vapes, stricter flavor restrictions, and measures to keep products out of sight in shops. These steps follow the Tobacco and Vapes Act, which sets out proposals to create the UK’s first smoke-free generation. However, experts argue that more action is needed to address the evolving vape market.
Dr Mike McKean emphasized that we need to keep pace with a rapidly evolving market
and continue to take action to protect children from nicotine products.
