Vaping now more common than smoking among young people – and the risks go beyond lung and brain damage

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This echoes research that has found the popularity of vaping among young people in the UK has surged in recent years.

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Provider:

The Conversation

URL:

https://theconversation.com/vaping-now-more-common-than-smoking-among-young-people-and-the-risks-go-beyond-lung-and-brain-damage-223125

Retrieved on:

Thursday, April 25, 2024

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Geotags:

ENGLAND, UK, SCOTLAND, WALES

Summary

Key Points:

This echoes research that has found the popularity of vaping among young people in the UK has surged in recent years.
But vaping comes with many risks to young people, including harm to the lungs and brain.
Young people who vape may be more likely to start smoking and find it harder to quit any nicotine use at all.
And using vaping products alongside other products containing nicotine, like cigarettes, for example, may be even worse for their health.

Hidden risks

There are many less obvious risks to vaping too.
The chemicals in vape liquids – including various toxins, heavy metals and possibly even radioactive polonium – may be harmful.
This could be because of the specific mix of ingredients different brands put in the vape liquid.
Even if a vape liquid is advertised as being nicotine-free, it might still contain chemicals called nitrosamines, which are known to cause cancer.

Is a ban on disposable vapes enough?

The forthcoming ban on disposable vapes in England, Scotland and Wales may not be enough to deal with the problem.
With more than 400 vape brands already on the market, a more comprehensive approach is needed.

Amira Guirguis does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.