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Children who vape are more likely to go on to be smokers, be diagnosed with asthma and have poor mental health, new analysis suggests.
The largest global review on vaping in young people found “consistent evidence” that children who vape are three times more likely to go on to become smokers.
The study also pointed to links between vaping and increased odds of respiratory illness and substance abuse, including drinking and marijuana use.
Experts from the University of York and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), both in the UK, analysed all available reviews on youth vaping – known as an umbrella review.
It included 56 reviews on 384 studies. Of these, 21 looked at the use of e-cigarettes among young people and later cigarette smoking.

Not only were vapers more likely to smoke in later life, they were also more likely to smoke more frequently and intensely, experts said.
Researchers also tracked breathing problems linked to youth vaping. The data suggested an increased risk among young people who vape of developing asthma or having existing asthma conditions worsen.
Other harmful outcomes linked to youth vaping included pneumonia, bronchitis, lower total sperm counts – known as oligospermia – dizziness, headaches and migraines.
There was also a link identified between depression and suicidal thoughts among young vapers.
Writing in the journal Tobacco Control, the authors said the data available “consistently indicated a significant association between e-cigarette use and later cigarette smoking in young people”.

They said that it is difficult to “infer causality” from their review, but said the “repeated strong associations in prospective cohort studies are consistent with a causal relationship”.
“The consistency in the evidence is striking,” said Su Golder, associate professor in health science at the University of York.
“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.”
Greg Hartwell, a clinical assistant professor at LSHTM, said: “We found consistent evidence around transitions to smoking which, of course, in turn, opens the door to the multitude of harms that conventional cigarettes bring.
“As the UK government’s chief medical officer states, marketing vapes to children is always unacceptable, and our review shows exactly why further restrictions on the tobacco industry, who control the vaping market, are so important.”
Rebecca Glover, senior author of the study and an assistant professor at LSHTM, added: “Vaping is having a detrimental impact on the health of young people globally and vaping appears to be a gateway to other substances.”

She added that the study “provides the strongest evidence to date that young people globally face a serious range of physical and psychological harms from vaping and are at higher risk of transitioning to smoking”.
In Hong Kong, from April 30 next year, possessing materials used for smoking alternative smoking products – such as e-cigarette cartridges, tobacco sticks for heated tobacco or herbal cigarettes – in public will be illegal. Smoking alternative smoking products will also be deemed as possessing such products.
In June, the UK introduced a ban on disposable vapes in a bid to curb their use among young people.
The crackdown on the devices, also known as single-use vapes, makes it illegal for any retailer – ranging from corner shops to supermarkets – to sell them.
The ban applies to online and in-store sales across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and to all disposable vapes regardless of whether they contain nicotine.
Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes.

Commenting on the study, Jamie Strachan, operations director at UK 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.”
His company supports strict regulation that prevents under-18s from obtaining vaping products.
James Murphy, director of science and research at British American Tobacco (BAT), said: “Smart regulation that gives adults access to better alternatives, while enforcing high standards and preventing underage use, is vital to achieving the UK’s smoke-free goal.”
Additional reporting by staff reporter.
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Children who vape are 3 times more likely to become smokers, new study suggests

Young people face a range of physical and psychological harms from vaping and are at higher risk of starting smoking, new research suggests. Photo: Shutterstock

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In Hong Kong, possessing materials used for smoking alternative smoking products in public will be illegal from April 30, 2026. Photo: Dickson Lee

The UK introduced a ban on disposable vapes in June 2025. Photo: Reuters

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Derry Ainsworth in hospital in July 2024 after being diagnosed with severe acute pancreatitis. Photo: Derry Ainsworth

One of Ainsworth’s beds, in the ward corridor at Pok Oi Hospital. Photo: Derry Ainsworth

Ainsworth hikes in Kai Kung Leng, in Hong Kong’s New Territories, in September 2024. Photo: Derry Ainsworth

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Lifestyle

Health & Wellness

Health

They are also more likely to develop asthma and have poor mental health, according to the largest global review of vaping in young people


They are also more likely to develop asthma and have poor mental health, according to the largest global review of vaping in young people.


Smoking and vaping

Mental health

Gen Z

Parenting: teens

Children who vape are 3 times more likely to become smokers, new study suggests

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}They are also more likely to develop asthma and have poor mental health, according to the largest global review of vaping in young people

They are also more likely to develop asthma and have poor mental health, according to the largest global review of vaping in young people