Major study to investigate long-term health impact of vaping on children

A £62 million research project will track the long-term health effects of vaping on children, supporting wider government efforts to tackle youth vaping and create a smoke-free generation.

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-funded study will follow 100,000 young people aged 8-18 over the next decade, gathering data on behaviour, biology, and health records to provide the most detailed picture yet of how vaping affects young people’s wellbeing.

While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking and is a recognised tool for helping adult smokers quit, youth vaping has surged, with one in four 11 to 15-year-olds having tried it. The government’s new Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to curb this trend by restricting flavours, packaging, and marketing tactics that appeal to children.

Alongside the study, the government is rolling out England’s first nationwide public health campaign to educate young people on the risks of vaping.

Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said:

“We know that vaping can be a useful tool to quit smoking, but it’s crucial we have clear evidence on the long-term health harms, especially for young people.

“This landmark research, combined with our first nationwide youth vaping campaign, will help drive evidence-based, decisive action to protect our children’s future.”

In addition to the decade-long study, the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) is funding two further projects:

• University College London (UCL) will publish yearly updates on the latest vaping research from the UK and beyond.
• London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) will conduct the most in-depth analysis of youth vaping studies to date.

Professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR CEO and Chief Scientific Adviser to DHSC, emphasised the importance of evidence-based policy:

“With vaping on the rise among young people, it is crucial that we develop a solid evidence base to better understand its health impacts and help ensure we protect and support the next generation.”

Health concerns and legislative action

Sarah Sleet, chief executive at Asthma + Lung UK, warned of potential risks:

“Vaping can cause inflammation in the airways, and people with asthma have told us that vapes can trigger their condition. Developing lungs may be at risk, and nicotine exposure can harm young brains.”

She welcomed upcoming legislation to restrict vape flavours and packaging, ban cheap disposable vapes, and educate young people through campaigns like Love Your Lungs.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently progressing through Parliament and will introduce a ban on vape advertising and sponsorship, while enhancing enforcement against underage and illicit sales.

From 1 June 2025, under separate environmental legislation, disposable vapes will be banned, reducing their availability and appeal to young people.

The measures form part of the government’s Plan for Change, focusing on prevention to ease NHS pressures and promote long-term public health.