Study: Young vape users 3x more likely to start smoking

Young vapers 3x more likely to start smoking, develop asthma, and have poor mental health.

Why it matters

  • Young people who vape are three times more likely to start smoking.
  • Study highlights potential health risks like asthma and poor mental health.

By the numbers

  • 20% of 11- to 17-year-olds in Great Britain tried vaping, about 1.1 million children.
  • Asthma risk increases by 20% to 36% for young vapers.

The big picture

  • Study suggests vaping could be a gateway to smoking and other health risks.
  • Experts call for stronger public health measures to protect teens.

What they're saying

  • Some question causality, suggesting risk-taking behavior may play a role.
  • Experts urge government action to limit youth vaping.

Caveats

  • Study based on observational data, making causality hard to prove.
  • Some included reviews were of low quality.

What’s next

  • UK government plans tobacco and vapes bill, single-use vape ban.