Vapes could lead to health harms in children, doctors warn

Doctors warn that vaping could lead to health problems in children and young people, urging the government to impose stricter restrictions. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) reviewed 81 studies on vaping and found associations between the habit and breathing issues, poor oral health, sleep disturbances, mental health concerns, and eye problems in young people.

Prof Will Carroll, a co-author of the study, stated that vaping is linked to respiratory symptoms, nicotine dependence, and an increased risk of subsequent cigarette smoking. Dr Mike McKean, vice-president for policy at the RCPCH, emphasized the need to make vaping less appealing and accessible to children, as vaping is still a relatively new product with unknown long-term effects.

The UK government recently launched a 12-week consultation on vape appearance, packaging, and display, aiming to make them less appealing to youngsters through plain packaging and strict limits on branding and flavors. However, experts argue that the government should go further by limiting the available flavors. A recent poll found that nearly one in five British children aged 11 to 17 have tried vaping.

Health charities advise that vaping is less harmful than smoking but still poses risks, especially for non-smokers, including children. The Department of Health and Social Care has already banned single-use vapes and plans to limit advertising and sponsorship, as well as consult on proposals to curb packaging that attracts children.