Vaping in Young People Linked to Increased Risk of Smoking, Respiratory Illness, and Poor Mental Health

The largest global review on vaping in young people has found that children who vape are more likely to go on to be smokers, be diagnosed with asthma, and experience poor mental health outcomes. The analysis, conducted by experts from the University of York and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, suggests that vaping is linked to increased odds of respiratory illness, substance abuse, including drinking and marijuana use, and other harmful outcomes such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and lower total sperm counts.

Key Takeaways:

Children who vape are three times more likely to go on to become smokers, with increased frequency and intensity of smoking.
Young people who vape are more likely to be diagnosed with asthma or experience asthma exacerbation.
Vaping is linked to increased risk of developing respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia and bronchitis.
Vaping has been shown to have negative effects on mental health, including depression and suicidal thoughts.
Substance abuse, including drinking and marijuana use, is also associated with vaping in young people.
Experts noted a link between vaping and lower total sperm counts, as well as increased risk of dizziness, headaches, and migraines.
Yaybeitnote the strong associations in prospective cohort studies are consistent with a causal relationship between e-cigarette use and later cigarette smoking in young people.

Statistics:

21 out of 56 reviews included in the analysis looked at the use of e-cigarettes among young people and later cigarette smoking.
56 reviews on 384 studies were analyzed in the global review on vaping in young people.
3.3 times more likely to go on to become smokers for young people who vape.
2.5 times more likely to develop asthma or experience asthma exacerbation for young people who vape.

Sources:

Writing in the journal, Tobacco Control
The University of York
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)