Doctors Warn Vaping Poses Health Risks to Children and Call for Stricter Controls

Medical experts have raised alarms about the health dangers vaping poses to children and young people, urging governments to implement stronger measures to reduce its appeal among youth.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) conducted a comprehensive review of 81 studies linking vaping to a range of health issues in children. The findings associate vaping with respiratory problems such as wheezing and coughing, dental and oral health deterioration, sleep disturbances, mental health challenges, and eye irritation. Evidence also suggests harm to unborn babies when mothers vape during pregnancy.

Prof Will Carroll, co-author of the review published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, highlighted clear connections between vaping, nicotine dependence, and a higher likelihood of transitioning to cigarette smoking.

Dr Mike McKean, RCPCH vice-president for policy, emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance given the relatively recent introduction of vaping products and the evolving market. "We must act to make vaping less attractive and accessible to children," he said.

Government Proposals to Restrict Youth Access

In response, the UK government has launched a 12-week consultation aiming to reduce the allure of vaping products to minors. Proposed measures include plain packaging with limited branding, restricting flavour descriptions to simple terms like "apple" or "cola," and moving vape products out of direct sight in retail outlets, similar to tobacco controls.

The consultation follows the Tobacco and Vapes Act, which bans cigarette sales to anyone born after January 1, 2009, effectively creating a smoke-free generation. Experts warn this legislation should be supplemented with further restrictions, particularly on flavour variety, to effectively protect children.

Perspectives from Health Charities

• Hazel Cheeseman, CEO of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), noted that nearly 20% of British youths aged 11 to 17 have tried vaping. While vaping is less harmful than smoking, it is not without risks, and strict marketing controls are essential.
• Andrew McCracken from Asthma + Lung UK stressed that vaping should be reserved for smokers trying to quit and discouraged entirely for non-smokers, especially children.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson reiterated that children should never vape and highlighted recent bans on single-use vapes and upcoming advertising restrictions as part of broader efforts to protect young people.