Risks of Electronic Cigarettes in Youth Revealed
A new study in the UK has proven that electronic cigarettes negatively affect respiratory and mental health, and facilitate the transition to tobacco.
A new study conducted by experts from the UK Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has revealed that electronic cigarettes cause respiratory, mental health, and oral health problems in young people, and facilitate the transition to tobacco.
Scope and Details of the Research
Published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood and examining 81 different studies, the new research has laid bare the risks of electronic cigarettes. It is estimated that approximately 5.5 million people use electronic cigarettes in the UK, and nearly 1 million young people between the ages of 11 and 17 have tried these devices at least once.
In the review conducted by experts from the UK Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, it was emphasized that electronic cigarettes are less harmful compared to traditional cigarettes, but they certainly cannot be considered harmless.
Negative Impacts on Health
Research data showed that electronic use is associated with respiratory ailments such as wheezing and coughing, as well as anxiety, depression, and panic disorder.
Additionally, oral health issues such as sleep problems, eye discomfort, gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and dry mouth were also among the identified harms.
Danger to Infants and Pregnancy
It was noted that the danger is not limited to users alone, and serious developmental problems are observed in infants exposed to electronic cigarettes during pregnancy.
Infants exposed in utero were observed to have abnormal reflexes and lower motor maturity indicating physical response development, and it was determined that these infants had lower birth weights.
Experts' Warnings and Transition to Tobacco
Professor Will Carroll, one of the authors of the review, underlined that electronic cigarettes should not be seen as a harmless part of the growing-up years.
Carroll stated that the findings clearly demonstrate a direct link between electronic cigarette use in youth and the subsequent initiation of traditional cigarettes.