A £62m research project will provide ‘the most detailed picture yet’ of the the long-term health effects of vaping on children, ministers have announced.
Over a decade, the study will track 100,000 young people aged between eight and 18, collecting data on behaviour, biology and health records to understand factors affecting their health and wellbeing, including the impact of vaping.
It is one of three new studies into vaping being commissioned by the Government.
Ministers have also announced a new Love Your Lungs campaign, the first nationwide scheme to inform teenagers about ‘the hidden health dangers of vaping’, with influencers spreading awareness on social media.
The chairman of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board, David Fothergill, said: ‘Councils have long raised concerns over young people vaping and are pleased the Government set out measures to restrict the availability and marketing of vapes to children.
‘The evidence suggests that vaping is by no means risk-free, so it is right that we investigate the effects of vaping on young people’s health.’
The sale of disposable vapes will be banned in June, and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, set to ban the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and improve enforcement of underage and illicit sales, is making its way through Parliament.
