Doctors urge stricter limits on vaping to protect children and teens

A systematic review conducted by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health evaluated roughly 81 studies and concluded that vaping is linked to higher rates of wheezing, coughing, dental problems, poor sleep, mental-health issues and eye symptoms among children and adolescents. The authors also highlighted risks for infants whose mothers vaped during pregnancy. Co-author Prof Will Carroll emphasized clear connections to respiratory symptoms and nicotine addiction, while vice-president for policy Dr Mike McKean warned that the long-term impact remains uncertain but concerning.

The college is pressing the UK government to go beyond its current proposals by limiting the number of flavours and enforcing plain-packaging with minimal branding. These recommendations align with a 12-week consultation launched in July, which aims to make vape products less appealing to minors as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Act that seeks a smoke-free generation. Public health groups such as Action on Smoking and Health and Asthma + Lung UK echoed the call for stronger marketing controls.