The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has undertaken one of the most comprehensive reviews to date on the impact of vaping on children and young people, reporting consistent evidence between vaping, respiratory health and subsequent cigarette smoking.
The review examined more than 14,000 published articles, assessed 325 full-text studies and synthesised evidence from 81 studies across eight health and social domains. It provides significant evidence for the short and medium-term impacts of vaping on children and young people.
Vaping has surged in popularity over the past decade, with rates of experimentation and regular use among young people increasing around tenfold. What was once a niche product has become a familiar part of many young people’s lives, with use often beginning in early adolescence.
The review found consistent evidence linking vaping with poorer respiratory health. Young people who vape are more likely to report cough, wheeze, bronchitis symptoms and asthma exacerbations. Crucially, long-term studies also show strong evidence that young people who vape are significantly more likely to go on to smoke cigarettes.
Beyond respiratory health, the review identified evidence linking vaping to wider health impacts, including on oral and dental health, and poorer mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Emerging evidence further points to potential impacts on sleep, eye health, allergies and adverse outcomes associated with infants and babies exposed to nicotine during pregnancy.