New research by the University of York and synthesized in the journal Tobacco Control Confirm that vaping in adolescents is not without danger. In addition to an increased risk of switching to tobacco, it is associated with asthma, alcohol and cannabis consumption, as well as psychological disorders. Results that call for strengthening parents’ vigilance and prevention policies.
A strong increase in young people
Vaping, long presented as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes, has experienced growing success among adolescents.
According to WHO, between 5.5 % and 41 % of 15-16 year olds consume electronic cigarettes in Europe today (for example, 5.5 % in Serbia versus 41 % in Monaco).
A figure deemed “alarming” by the organization, which alerts aggressive marketing strategies targeting minors: sweet aromas, colorful packaging and campaigns on social networks.
A “gateway” effect to confirmed tobacco
The study published in Tobacco Control Gather more than 50 scientific journals and the results are clear: young people who vapotent are three times more likely to try traditional cigarettes than those who do not touch the e-cigarette.
Researchers speak of a “gateway” effect (Gateway Effect) which is not only correlation, but suggests a real causal relationship. In other words, far from keeping young people away from tobacco, vaping dangerously brings them closer.
Increased risks for physical health
Beyond tobacco, vaping is associated with other risky behaviors. Teenagers users of electronic cigarettes have a risk multiplied by 4 to 6 to consume alcohol or cannabis on a regular basis.
In terms of respiratory health, the link with asthma is now well established: +20 % to +36 % risk of developing the disease, and up to +44 % risk of aggravation of crises. Researchers also report more chronic cough, bronchitis and even cases of pneumonia.
More spectacular incidents are also identified, such as explosions of devices causing burns to the face and hands. Rarely but worrying: some studies point to a drop in the number of sperm in young men vapers, as well as oral damage (bleeding of the gums, drought of the mouth, broken teeth).
A worrying psychological impact
The report also highlights consequences on mental health. Several journals highlight an increase in suicidal ideas and depressive behavior in young vapers. A teenager who uses the e-cigarette would have up to six times more likely to take the suicidal act compared to his non-consumes.
The researchers note a robust association between nicotine and psychological impact: nicotine acts on the cerebral circuits of the reward and the regulation of mood, which can promote dependence, anxiety and depressive vulnerabilitythus increasing the risk of suicidal ideas.
Sleep disorders and more marked anxiety are also part of the documented effects.
Public policies called to evolve
Faced with these results, the researchers argue for a hardening of public health policies. Restricting the sale to minors is not enough, they warn: it is also necessary to supervise advertising, prohibit the aromas which attract the youngest, and carry out clear information campaigns for families.
For parents, vigilance is required. Behind the “fun” image and marketing promises, vaping exposes teens to early dependence on nicotine and health risks that are constantly accumulating during research.