Children who vape 'more likely to smoke, have asthma and poor mental health'
A "striking" new study and the largest of its kind has revealed the grave dangers of vaping in young people
Children who vape are more likely to go on to be smokers, be diagnosed with asthma and have poor mental health, a shock new study has revealed.
The largest global review on vaping in young people found "consistent evidence" that children who vape are a whopping three times more likely to go on to become smokers.
The study also pointed to links between vaping and increased odds of respiratory illness and substance abuse including drinking and marijuana use.
Dr Rebecca Glover, senior author of the study, assistant professor at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said: "Vaping is having a detrimental impact on the health of young people globally and vaping appears to be a gateway to other substances.
"Our study provides the strongest evidence to date that young people globally face a serious range of physical and psychological harms from vaping and are at higher risk of transitioning to smoking."
Experts from the University of York and LSHTM analysed all available reviews on youth vaping including the use of e-cigarettes among youngsters and later cigarette smoking.
They found that only were vapers more likely to smoke in later life, they were also more likely to smoke more frequently and intensely. Researchers also tracked breathing problems linked to youth vaping.
The data suggested a greater risk among young people who vape of developing asthma or asthma exacerbation.
Other dangerous outcomes included pneumonia, bronchitis, lower total sperm counts, dizziness, headaches and migraines. There was also a link found between depression and suicidal thoughts among young vapers.
Writing in the journal Tobacco Control, the authors said the data available "consistently indicated a significant association between e-cigarette use and later cigarette smoking in young people".
The findings back stronger public health measures to protect teens from the risks associated with vaping, the experts added.
In June the ban on disposable vapes was introduced in a bid to curb their use among young people.
The crackdown on the devices, also known as single-use vapes, makes it illegal for any retailer - from corner shops to supermarkets - to sell them.
The ban applies to both online and in-store sales across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and all disposable vapes whether or not they contain nicotine. Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes.
Dr James Murphy, director of science and research at British American Tobacco (BAT), refuted the findings and said there is "little evidence that vaping is a gateway to smoking".
He went on to insist: "In fact, it has helped millions of adults move away from cigarettes.
"While not risk-free, experts agree it poses only a fraction of the risks of smoking.
"Smart regulation that gives adults access to better alternatives, while enforcing high standards and preventing under-age use, is vital to achieving the UK’s smoke-free goal."
Commenting on the study, Jamie Strachan, operations director at VPZ, said: "Vaping is intended solely for existing adult smokers as a less harmful alternative to combustible tobacco.
"It should never be marketed to, sold to, or used by children and non-smokers. VPZ supports strict regulation that prevents under-18s from obtaining vaping products."