Vaping is as harmful as smoking for young people

As the popularity of e-cigarettes continues to grow, especially among young individuals, new research casts a shadow on the perceived safety of vaping.

A recent study suggests vaping could be as damaging to young people’s lungs as smoking. Conducted by Dr. Azmy Faisal and his team at Manchester Metropolitan University, the research explored the lung capacity of individuals in their 20s, who engaged in strenuous physical activities like cycling on a static bike.

The findings, presented at the European Respiratory Society’s conference in Vienna, highlighted startling similarities in the decreased fitness levels and increased breathlessness between those who vape and smoke.

Study findings and concerns

Within the study, three groups were examined: non-smokers, vapers, and smokers, each with 20 participants.

Those who vaped showed a peak exercise capacity of 186 watts, compared to smokers at 182 watts, and non-smokers at 226 watts.

Further, vapers experienced reduced oxygen intake almost equivalent to that of smokers, posing significant concerns about vaping being a healthier alternative to smoking.

Additionally, blood tests and ultrasound scans revealed that both vapers and smokers had poorer vascular function than their non-using peers, with increased signs of muscle fatigue and higher lactate levels in their blood.

Growing vaping trend and regulatory response

The data aligns with a concerning trend in the UK: vaping has seen a sharp rise over recent years, especially among 11 to 17-year-olds, increasing from 1.3% in 2014 to 7.6%. A surge in the accessibility and appeal of flavoured vapes has contributed to this rise.

Health risks and medical advice

The health implications are extensive, with researchers noting that vaping could increase cancer risks due to DNA changes and potentially cause significant damage to vital organs through exposure to toxic metals like lead and uranium found in e-cigarette aerosols and liquids.

Medical experts advocate increased awareness and regulation to protect young people from starting vaping.

Comment by Allen Carr’s Easyway

At Allen Carr’s Easyway, every year we see thousands of smokers and thousands of vapers who we help to freedom with our drug free one day seminar. The increasing numbers of people addicted to only vaping over the last ten years is of significant concern, particularly the growth in numbers of young people.

Vaping is often thought of as less harmful than smoking but young people, due to marketing and mixed messaging, often think it is completely harmless. However studies such as these show there are mental and physical effects of vaping which anyone considering vaping needs to be aware of.

Allen Carr’s Easyway have been warning for years about the dangers of vaping particularly amongst young people. We hope such studies will act as a wake up call to Governments and regulators around the world to the dangers of vaping and the need to help those who are addicted.