UK doctors warn vaping poses health risks to children

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has issued a stark warning that vaping should not be considered a harmless activity for young people, citing a comprehensive review that links e-cigarette use to a range of health problems and an increased likelihood of future smoking. The review, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, analyzed 81 studies and found consistent associations between vaping and respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and asthma exacerbations. It also identified links to poor oral health, mental health issues including anxiety and depression, sleep disturbances, and allergies.

Professor Will Carroll, a co-author of the review, emphasized that the evidence shows clear connections to nicotine dependence and subsequent cigarette smoking. "Vaping should not be seen as a harmless part of growing up," he stated. "We must act to make vaping less attractive and accessible to children." The review also noted emerging evidence of potential harm to infants whose mothers vaped during pregnancy, including lower birth weight and developmental concerns.

The findings come as the UK government consults on new restrictions to reduce the...