Young people who vape are three times more likely to go on to smoke cigarettes – putting them at far greater risk of developing lung cancer, according to the largest global review of youth vaping to date.
The research, published in Tobacco Control, also uncovered alarming links between vaping and a wide range of health issues, including asthma, depression, suicidal thoughts and substance misuse.
Led by the University of York and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the umbrella review analysed 56 reviews covering 384 studies worldwide. It found consistent evidence that vaping acts as a gateway to smoking – the leading cause of lung cancer.
The findings revealed that young people who vape are not only more likely to smoke later in life, but also more likely to smoke more heavily and frequently. Researchers also highlighted respiratory risks such as asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis, alongside physical and mental health harms including headaches, dizziness, lower sperm counts, depression and suicidal thoughts.
Dr Su Golder, associate professor in health science at the University of York, said: “The consistency in the evidence is striking.
“Across multiple studies, young people who use e-cigarettes are more likely to smoke in the future. These findings support stronger public health measures to protect teens from the risks associated with vaping.”
Dr Greg Hartwell, clinical assistant professor at LSHTM, added: “We found consistent evidence around transitions to smoking which of course, in turn, opens the door to the multitude of harms that conventional cigarettes bring.
“As the UK Government’s chief medical officer states, marketing vapes to children is always unacceptable, and our review shows exactly why further restrictions on the tobacco industry, who control the vaping market, are so important.”
Dr Rebecca Glover, senior author and assistant professor at LSHTM, concluded: “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.”
The UK Government has already moved to curb youth vaping by banning disposable vapes in June. The law prohibits all single-use devices, whether or not they contain nicotine, from being sold online or in stores. Reusable vapes remain legal.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “The evidence is undeniable — vaping increases the likelihood that young people will take up smoking, and with that comes a greater risk of developing lung cancer.
“As the leading cause of cancer death in the UK, we know the devastating impact smoking has on families. This study underlines the urgent need for robust regulation and public health measures to protect young people from these harms.”
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