Vaping and Its Potential Health Harms on Children and Young People
Doctors have warned about the potential health harms of vaping on children and young people, urging for measures to make it less attractive to them.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) reviewed 81 studies on vaping and its effects, highlighting links to respiratory issues, nicotine dependence, and subsequent cigarette smoking. The review suggests that vaping should not be perceived as a harmless aspect of adolescence.
The RCPCH recommends stricter regulations on vape sales in the UK, including limiting the number of available flavors. They base their suggestions on the evidence linking vaping to various problems such as:
- Wheezing and coughing
- Poor oral and dental health
- Sleep disturbances
- Mental health issues
- Eye symptoms
"We must act to make vaping less attractive and accessible to children," said co-author of the systematic review, Prof Will Carroll. "There are clear links with respiratory symptoms, nicotine dependence, and subsequent cigarette smoking."
The RCPCH’s vice-president for policy, Dr Mike McKean, added that while vaping is a relatively new phenomenon, there is growing concern about its long-term effects on young people. They emphasize the need to adapt to a rapidly changing market and continue protecting children from nicotine products.
In July, the UK government launched a 12-week consultation on regulating vape appearance, packaging, and display to reduce their appeal to children. This includes plain packaging with limited branding and flavor descriptions. These proposals aim to create a smoke-free generation by banning tobacco sales to those born after January 1, 2009, for life.
"The Tobacco and Vapes Act is an important step towards a smoke-free generation, but it should not be seen as a one-time solution," stated Dr McKean.
