20/08/2026
Two paediatric consultants from Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke have helped lead a major review into the impact of va**ng on children and young people. 🏥🔬
Professor Will Carroll, consultant paediatrician, and Dr Francis Gilchrist, consultant in paediatric respiratory medicine at UHNM co-authored the review led by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) which found clear links between va**ng and respiratory health problems and strong evidence that young people who v**e are more likely to go on to smoke ci******es.
The review examined more than 14,000 published articles, assessed 325 full-text studies and brought together evidence from 81 studies.
🗣 Professor Carroll said: "Va**ng should not be seen as a harmless part of growing up. The evidence shows clear links with respiratory symptoms, ni****ne dependence and subsequent cigarette smoking, while concerns about wider impacts on young people's health continue to grow.
“We must act to make va**ng less attractive and accessible to children. As stated in our recent State of Child Health report, this should include limiting flavours, bringing packaging into line with to***co products and restricting how va**ng products are displayed."
The review found that va**ng has become much more common among children and young people over the past decade, with rates of regular use rising sharply. It also found that young people who v**e are more likely to experience breathing problems, including coughs, wheezing, bronchitis symptoms and asthma attacks, and are more likely to go on to smoke ci******es.
Researchers also identified possible links between va**ng and other health problems, including poor oral health, anxiety and depression. They found new evidence suggesting va**ng could also affect sleep, eye health and allergies, as well as pose risks to babies exposed to ni****ne during pregnancy.
