A 10-year study commissioned by the government, will look into the long-term health effects of vaping in children and young people.
The research project will receive £62 million from UK Research and Innovation to track 100,000 young people aged eight- to 18-years-old over the course of a decade.
Data will be collected on their behaviour, biology and health records to understand exactly what affects young people’s health and wellbeing, which includes the impact of vaping.
Youth vaping has ‘skyrocketed’ in recent years, with a quarter of 11- to 15-year-olds having tried it, reveals the Department of Health and Social Care.
‘With vaping on the rise among young people, it is crucial that we develop a solid evidence base to better understand its health impacts,’ said Professor Lucy Chappell, chief scientific adviser to the Department of Health and Social Care and NIHR CEO.
‘By investing in important research such as this we give young people, parents, and policymakers the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and safeguard long-term health.’
Chief executive at Asthma + Lung UK Sarah Sleet added: ‘The long-term impact of vaping on the lungs isn’t yet known, so research into its effect on young people, is really important.’
‘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. Vaping could put developing lungs at risk, while exposure to nicotine – also contained in vapes – can damage developing brains.’
The study is one of three pieces of research being commissioned by the government, and coincides with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The latter aims to clampdown on vapes and products that appeal to children, and create a ‘smoke-free’ generation.
The government says that together, the landmark studies will ensure healthcare workers can be kept at the cutting edge of the latest evidence and insights.
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