Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Vaping: Government begins decade-long child health study

long-term effects of vaping on children UK study
Photo: iStock

Britain will investigate the long-term effects of vaping on children as young as eight in a decade-long study of their health and behaviour, the government said on Wednesday.

The government has been cracking down on the rapid rise of vaping among children, with estimates showing a quarter of 11- to 15-year-olds have tried it out.


A ban on disposable vapes is due to come into force in June, and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently passing through parliament, will limit flavours and packaging on vapes designed to attract children.

"The long-term health impacts of youth vaping are not fully known, and this comprehensive approach will provide the most detailed picture yet," the health department said.

The £62 millionstudy will track 100,000 people aged 8-18 years through the 10-year period, collecting data on behaviour and biology as well as health records, the statement said.

The World Health Organisation has urged governments to treat e-cigarettes similarly to tobacco, warning of their health impact and potential to drive nicotine addiction among non-smokers, especially children and young people.

"It is already known that vaping can cause inflammation in the airways, and people with asthma have told us that vapes can trigger their condition," said Sarah Sleet, CEO of British lung charity Asthma + Lung UK.

"Vaping could put developing lungs at risk, while exposure to nicotine - also contained in vapes - can damage developing brains."

In Britain, unlike traditional cigarettes which are heavily taxed and face strict advertising limitations, vapes are not subject to 'sin tax' and carry colourful designs and fruity flavours that make them stand out on shop shelves.

The government, which plans to introduce a flat rate duty on vaping liquid from next October, said the study would provide researchers and policymakers with the evidence needed to protect the next generation from potential health risks.

It also launched a nationwide vaping campaign, due to roll out primarily on social media to "speak directly" to younger audience using influencers.

Commenting, Marina Murphy, senior director, scientific affairs at vape firm Haypp, said the study will help to build a strong scientific evidence base for UK policymakers.

“Without a strong evidence base, there may be a temptation to default to measures such as flavour bans that don’t directly address issues around youth access but may instead discourage adult smokers from switching. In other jurisdictions, flavours bans have led to increased smoking,” Murphy said.

“The first ever public health campaign to discourage youth vaping is a welcome step, but we must remember that vapes are already an adult only product. We also need clear information about vapes from government to adult smokers. Half the adults in the UK already believe vapes to be as harmful or more harmful than cigarettes, and this type of misinformation needs to be countered to encourage adult smokers to switch to less harmful vapes.”

More for you

Morrisons convenience store with closing sign

Morrisons announces major store and café closures as part of its renewal plan.

Photo: morrisons.com

Morrisons to close 17 convenience stores

Supermarket chain Morrisons on Monday (24) announced that it is shutting down its 17 convenience stores and 52 cafes as a part of its second year of its programme of renewal.

A wide-ranging review identified a number of areas where the costs of operations are significantly out of line with usage, volumes or the value that customers place on them.

Keep ReadingShow less
A shopper selecting fresh produce in a UK supermarket aisle.
Brits turn to scratch cooking
iStock image

Popularity of home cooking could bring back inflation, warn analysts

Cost-cautious Britons are spending more on home-cooked meals, risking to bring inflation back to grocery stores, a recent report has stated.

According to research by Retail Economics and NatWest, UK consumers expect to be spending more money on in the next three months on groceries while less on eating and drinking out.

Keep ReadingShow less
 The Wholesale Group’s first tradeshow at Cheltenham Racecourse, bringing together suppliers and wholesale members.

Tradeshow saw 190 suppliers and 180 wholesalers unite for networking, deals, and industry growth.

The Wholesale Group

The Wholesale Group celebrates first tradeshow

UK's newest buying group The Wholesale Group held its first tradeshow since its launch in January 2025 which saw supplier partners and members come together to plan for future growth.

Held at Cheltenham Racecourse on Thursday (20), the event saw more than 190 supplier partners meet with more than 180 wholesale members.

Keep ReadingShow less
RH Amar's new 94,756 sq ft headquarters in High Wycombe.

RH Amar Expands with New 94,756 Sq Ft HQ in High Wycombe

RH Amar signs deal for new purpose-built HQ

RH Amar has signed a deal which will see it move to a new 94,756 sq ft state-of the-art facility in High Wycombe at the end of the year.

The move follows a period of significant growth and expansion for the UK food distributor and growth partner which has seen it achieve double-digit growth in each of the past five years, with new business wins including Weetabix, Dr. Oetker and Divine Chocolate.

Keep ReadingShow less
G4S workers protesting over pay dispute, risking UK cash shortage.

G4S strike could leave UK

Photo: iStock

Cash crunch: banks, ATMs, pubs face shortage as G4S workers vote to strike

Banks, hotels, ATMs and pubs are facing a cash shortage as more than 1,000 G4S workers vote to strike over a real terms pay cut.

GMB members deliver money to companies such as NatWest, Lloyds Santander, Tesco, Asda, Wetherspoons, McDonalds and Travelodge.

Keep ReadingShow less