UK to Study Vaping’s Long-Term Impact on Children

The UK government will conduct a decade-long study on the health and behavioral effects of vaping on children as young as eight, officials announced Wednesday.

Authorities are taking steps to curb rising youth vaping rates, with estimates suggesting a quarter of 11- to 15-year-olds have experimented with e-cigarettes.

As part of this crackdown, a ban on disposable vapes—sold for as little as five pounds—is set to take effect in June.

Meanwhile, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently in parliament, aims to restrict child-targeted flavors and packaging.

“The long-term health impacts of youth vaping remain unclear. This comprehensive study will offer the most detailed insights yet,” the UK health department stated.

The government has allocated £62 million ($78.1 million) to track 100,000 children aged 8-18 over the next decade, collecting data on health, behavior, and biology.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged nations to regulate e-cigarettes like traditional tobacco products, citing risks such as nicotine addiction and potential lung damage, especially among young users.

“Vaping can inflame airways, and asthma sufferers report worsening symptoms,” said Sarah Sleet, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK. “Developing lungs and brains could be at risk from nicotine exposure in vapes.”

Unlike traditional cigarettes, which face high taxes and strict advertising regulations, vapes remain untaxed and feature eye-catching designs with fruity flavors, making them appealing to younger audiences.

However, starting next October, the UK government plans to introduce a flat-rate duty on vaping liquids.

To further address the issue, a nationwide social media campaign featuring influencers will aim to educate young people about vaping’s potential risks.

The government hopes the study and policy measures will provide the necessary evidence to safeguard future generations from vaping-related health issues.