Research from the University of York and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine shows that there is strong evidence that e-cigarette use may act as a gateway to cigarette smoking and other health issues in young people.
A review of reviews has revealed that there is a consistent link between e-cigarette use and later cigarette smoking, as well as potential links between vaping and a range of health issues, including asthma, mental health concerns, and drug use.
Researchers, from the University of York and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), argue that more research is needed to determine whether there is a direct cause and effect, but the consistency of the findings between the studies conducted so far provide a strong case for precautionary policies, such as restricting youth access to e-cigarettes and strengthening public education efforts.
Researchers not only showed an increased smoking risk, but that young people who once vaped, may go on to smoke more frequently and intensely. The review also found that vaping in young people often is followed by alcohol and marijuana use.
A number of studies showed links between e-cigarette use and asthma, coughing, and airway irritation, and experts highlighted that the associated risk of depression and suicidal thoughts in teens, needed more research to better inform on the mental health risks of vaping.
Many young people report signs of nicotine dependence, including cravings and difficulty quitting, but despite concerns about nicotine’s effects on the adolescent brain, very few reviews have examined this issue.