London: The researchers have analyzed 56 reviews covering 384 studies on youth vaping in an umbrella review, with 21 of those reviews specifically examining the link between e-cigarette use in young people and later cigarette smoking.
This global review, the largest of its kind, also found that vaping among young people is associated with an increased risk of respiratory illnesses such as asthma and asthma exacerbation, as well as substance abuse, including alcohol and marijuana use.
The study further highlighted possible links between youth vaping and conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, dizziness, headaches, migraines, and lower total sperm counts. Alarmingly, the researchers also identified associations between vaping and mental health issues, including depression and suicidal thoughts among young users.
A comprehensive review published in the journal Tobacco Control has found consistent evidence linking e-cigarette use among young people to a greater likelihood of smoking cigarettes later in life.
The researchers noted that while establishing causality was difficult, the repeated strong associations observed in prospective cohort studies aligned with a possible causal relationship.
Dr. Su Golder, Associate Professor in health science at the University of York, said that, “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 the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), stressed that the review highlighted “exactly why further restrictions on the tobacco industry […] are so important.”
The study was published shortly after a nationwide ban on disposable vapes came into effect across the UK in June. The legislation, which applies in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prohibits the sale and supply of single-use vapes both in stores and online, regardless of whether they contain nicotine.
The crackdown aims to reduce accessibility to children, amid growing concerns over rising usage among young people. NHS data released last year revealed that nearly one-quarter of children aged 11 to 15 had tried vaping, and nearly one in ten were frequent users. Reusable vapes, however, remain legal for sale.
Industry representatives reacted to the findings with differing views. Jamie Strachan, operations director at vape retailer VPZ, noted that vaping “should never be marketed to, sold to, or used by children and non-smokers,” adding that the company supports strict regulations to prevent under-18s from accessing these products.
In contrast, Dr. James Murphy, Director of science and research at British American Tobacco (BAT), argued that there was “little evidence that vaping is a gateway to smoking.”
Dr. Murphy called instead for “smart regulation that gives adults access to better alternatives, while enforcing high standards and preventing underage use,” as part of efforts to achieve the UK’s smoke-free target.
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