Experts Warn of Rising Health Risks from Teen Vaping

Experts Warn of Rising Health Risks from Teen Vaping
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A group of leading cardiologists have raised alarm over the growing epidemic of teenage vaping, describing it as a potential “ticking time bomb,” The Telegraph reported. Presenting at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual conference, experts highlighted mounting evidence that e-cigarettes cause irreversible harm, including increased risks of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illnesses.

Professor Maja-Lisa Løchen from the University Hospital of North Norway emphasized that e-cigarettes contain over 100 carcinogenic substances and harmful chemicals such as nitrosamines and volatile organic compounds. She warned that vaping raises heart rate, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness, advocating for a global ban given the data spanning 15 to 20 years.

A recent study showed vaping increases stroke risk by 32% and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by 46%. Despite being promoted by the NHS as a smoking cessation tool, concerns grow over youth uptake. Data reveals that one in ten secondary school children vape, with rising rates among young adults. Dr Charmaine Griffiths, British Heart Foundation CEO, called for urgent government action to restrict youth access to vapes, urging swift passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

While some industry representatives, like Gillian Golden of the Independent British Vape Trade Association, acknowledge vaping’s role as a safer alternative for smokers, health professionals warn it is far from risk-free, especially for young people with developing brains. The Department of Health reiterated that vaping should be limited to smokers attempting to quit and discouraged among children and non-smokers.