logo
Teen vaping a gateway to smoking, study suggests

Teen vaping a gateway to smoking, study suggests

BBC News4 hours ago
Children who vape are more likely to go on to be smokers, be diagnosed with asthma and have poor mental health, according to new analysis.University of York experts partnered with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for the study, said to be the largest global review on vaping in young people.They found "consistent evidence" that young people who vaped were three times more likely to become smokers, with an increased risk of respiratory illness and substance abuse.Dr Su Golder, associate professor in health science at York, called for marketing restrictions, saying: "Anything that could reduce the uptake of vaping in young people would be welcomed."
Experts analysed all available reviews on youth vaping, which included 56 reviews on 384 studies.Twenty-one of these looked at the use of e-cigarettes among young people and later cigarette smoking.The data suggested an increased risk among young people who vaped of developing asthma or asthma exacerbation, with other outcomes including pneumonia, bronchitis, lower total sperm counts, dizziness, headaches and migraines.There was also a link identified between depression and suicidal thoughts among young vapers.Dr Golder said the "consistency in the evidence is striking".
She said: "Across multiple studies, young people who use e-cigarettes are more likely to smoke in the future."These findings support stronger public health measures to protect teens from the risks associated with vaping."Dr Golder suggested increased regulation of vaping, "particularly restrictions on marketing that's aimed at young people and not at the smoking sensation side of things".Commenting on the study, Jamie Strachan, operations director at vape retailer VPZ, said: "Vaping is intended solely for existing adult smokers as a less harmful alternative to combustible tobacco."It should never be marketed to, sold to, or used by children and non-smokers."Dr James Murphy from British American Tobacco said that "enforcing high standards and preventing under-age use is vital to achieving the UK's smoke-free goal".
Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Thousands of RAF air cadets will be offered training to be drone pilots
Thousands of RAF air cadets will be offered training to be drone pilots

The Sun

time28 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Thousands of RAF air cadets will be offered training to be drone pilots

THOUSANDS of RAF Air Cadets are to offered training to be drone pilots. Around 40,000 will have the chance to get qualified, in a move designed to boost job prospects in science and engineering while spotting future pilots. Courses recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority will be offered to all existing cadets. Alex Williamson, the head of Air Cadets drone training, said pupils that reach the top level would 'be able to walk straight into a job in industry'. Around a third of RAF cadets go on to careers in the military. Cadet Corporal Charlie Stewart, 15, said he now wants to be an RAF drone pilot after the training. He said: 'If we're going to be the best military, we're going to need the best drone pilots.' It comes as the Government has pledged £70million to recruit another 40,000 cadets across the RAF, Army and Navy over the next five years. It plans to increase total cadet numbers to 182,000 by 2030 to boost recruitment and links between the military and society. At the National Air & Space Camp in RAF Syerston, Newark, yesterday, veterans minister Al Carns said: 'The cadets provides children with experiences and opportunities, everything from leadership, Stem skills, teamwork, discipline, boundaries and principles. 'It's about preparing children for the challenges of later life." 1

How eight second clip restored voice stolen by motor neurone disease
How eight second clip restored voice stolen by motor neurone disease

Times

timean hour ago

  • Times

How eight second clip restored voice stolen by motor neurone disease

After 25 years a woman with motor neurone disease (MND) is able to speak in her own voice again thanks to an artificial intelligence programme and eight seconds of old audio. Sarah Ezekiel was left without the use of her voice and hands at the age of 34 having been diagnosed with MND shortly after the birth of her second child. Five years later, the advent of eye-gaze technology meant she could form words and sentences that would be 'spoken' by a computer. But growing up, her children Aviva and Eric only heard their mother speak through a robotic-sounding artificial voice. Voice-cloning technology and artificial intelligence that can fill in gaps in audio content mean that now, even her Cockney accent has been restored. 'After such a long time, I couldn't really remember my voice,' Ezekiel told BBC Access All. 'When I first heard it again, I felt like crying. It's a kind of miracle.'

UK's food labelling needs a complete overhaul to combat obesity crisis, health coach claims
UK's food labelling needs a complete overhaul to combat obesity crisis, health coach claims

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

UK's food labelling needs a complete overhaul to combat obesity crisis, health coach claims

PCI-QUALIFIED health coach Steve Bennett is calling on British policymakers to adopt bold, front-of-pack food warning labels as part of a national strategy to tackle obesity, affecting approximately 15 million adults in the UK. He praised the black warning labels on ultra-processed foods in Chilean supermarkets, which has led to a measurable decline in sales of these marked products. 4 4 Steve, founder of a health app called Clubwell, said: 'Our food labelling system does little to deter Brits away from unhealthy options. 'Although well-intentioned, the current traffic light system fails to clearly inform consumers of the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods. 'The system is based on manufacturer-designed portion sizes which are so unrealistic they border on fantasy. When did you last eat just half a biscuit or a single square of chocolate? 'Chile's approach is simple and effective. The introduction of stark black warning labels on foods high in sugar, salt, calories and saturated fat has reduced sales of harmful foods, improved public awareness, and contributed towards a drop in childhood obesity. 'I would expect a similar model in Britain to reflect these results.' Since Chile's policy was introduced, purchases of sugary foods were reportedly cut by as much as 25 per cent. Sales of ultra-processed foods with the labels in school kiosks dropped from 90 per cent to 15 per cent within six months of the law's introduction. Britain currently leads Europe in ultra-processed food consumption, with these products making up over 50 per cent of all food purchases. Steve added: ' Obesity not only increases the risk of heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and several other diseases, but it also places huge pressure on the NHS and the UK economy. 'Changing our food labelling system and limiting sales of UPFs is a vital step towards tackling this spiralling obesity crisis. 'Addressing the root of the issue is far more effective in the long-term. We shouldn't simply be relying on weight loss jabs to solve the obesity epidemic. 'Transparent labelling would empower consumers to make informed choices and reduce dependence on pharmaceutical solutions. 'The food industry has resisted change, but the evidence is clear, bold labels work. 'I urge the UK government to implement clear warning labels, restrictions on marketing to children and removal of junk food from schools.' Steve, who has created £100 million companies during his award-winning commercial career before becoming a respected health coach, is launching the FREE Clubwell app later in the year to encourage users to keep track of their metabolic health to prevent future health issues related to insulin resistance. 4 4

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store