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The government officially announced a new landmark study which will follow young vapers over 10 years and how their bodies are affected – but one doctor has sent a stark warning
A new study will follow vapers over 10 years (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
Originally advertised as a method to wean smokers from cigarettes vaping has been majorly increasing in popularity – particularly among teenagers.
In 2024, 5.6 million adults in Great Britain were vaping, which is 11% of the adult population, according to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). This is the highest rate ever recorded. However, only half of vapers smoked before – around 47% started vaping without having smoked in the first place. As of now, the long-term side affects are mostly up to scientific guessing.
The UK Government this week announced it was conducting a study to look at the affects of vaping in young people. The landmark study is being funded by UK Research and Innovation, and will follow the lives of 100,000 young people aged 8-18 over the next 10 years.
Smoking has proven negative side effects on lung health (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
It has been long recorded that smokers can often experience issues with their lungs, including permanent damage, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. But now a scientist has warned that a vaper’s lungs could look just the same in 10 years compared to a smokers.
Dr Otulana, a GP and addiction physician based at Cassiobury Court, revealed to the Daily Star the dangers of vaping. “With vaping, it’s easy for us assume it is a safer option than smoking because of the absence of tar and many of the harmful chemicals found in cigarette,” they said.
“However, the reality is that we’re only beginning to understand the full extent of vaping’s impact on the lungs.”
Vaping could have similar affects to smoking, says experts (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
He continued: “We are already seeing cases of irritation in the airways, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. But the longer someone vapes, the more likely potential damage becomes. The key concern here is that while smokers can develop issues with pulmonary disease over time, the impact of vaping could be just as severe, if not worse, given the chemicals in vape liquids.
“These include substances like propylene glycol and various flavourings that can cause significant inflammation and damage to the lungs.”
When asked what the lungs of a vaper would look like in 10 years, the doctor warned that “the damage can unfortunately be very similar”.
Young people have been vaping in their masses (stock)(Image: Getty Images/Johner RF)
They revealed: “Both groups can experience chronic lung conditions, but vaping might accelerate lung injury in ways we don’t fully understand yet. The real difference is that vaping can cause scarring and inflammation from the chemicals in the vape liquids, whereas smoking primarily causes damage from the burning of tobacco and the inhalation of tar.”
To finish, Dr Otulana sent a stark warning, especially to younger users: “We have to keep in mind that the long-term risks of vaping remain unknown, but they could very well mirror or even exceed the damage seen in smokers over time.”
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