Experts are advocating for a worldwide ban on e-cigarettes, citing concerns about the irreversible harm they pose to children and young people. Speaking at the European Society of Cardiology congress in Madrid, Professor Maja-Lisa Løchen, a senior cardiologist at University Hospital of North Norway, warned that vaping could become a new 'epidemic', particularly given its severe impact on developing brains and hearts.

Professor Løchen highlighted that the nicotine and other elements in e-cigarettes are highly detrimental to developing brains, affecting individuals from the fetal stage through childhood and into their twenties. This concern is amplified by the risk of nicotine dependency, which can act as a gateway to traditional smoking for young users who have not previously smoked. She expressed conviction that children and adolescents starting to vape now are at an increased risk of irreversible health damage, including elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, and arterial stiffness.

Previous studies cited by Professor Løchen indicate that vaping significantly increases the risk of various health issues. A University of California study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, linked vaping to a 32 percent increased risk of stroke compared to non-smokers/vapers. The same research also found a 24 percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease and asthma, a 46 percent risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a 47 percent risk of mouth diseases. She also pointed out the presence of 133 potentially harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes, with 107 of these known carcinogens.

Campaigners and experts attribute the rising usage among young people to manufacturers' marketing tactics, including colorful packaging resembling highlighter pens, child-friendly flavors like bubblegum and cotton candy, and heavy promotion on social media by industry-paid influencers. Professor Løchen noted that the most common reason for vaping among the young is curiosity, not smoking cessation, as many have never smoked. Vaping's appeal is further boosted by its perceived affordability, candy-like taste and smell, and often lax age control during sales.

While the NHS continues to promote e-cigarettes as a tool for adult smokers to quit, there are growing concerns about the increasing number of youngsters who have never smoked taking up the habit. A University College London review revealed that vaping rates among adults rose from 8.9 percent to 13.5 percent between January 2022 and January 2024, with young adult rates climbing from 17 percent to 26.5 percent in the same period.

Professor Susanna Price, consultant cardiologist and chair of the European Society of Cardiology’s Advocacy Committee, voiced concern that vaping is being presented as a quitting aid, but its use among young people who don't smoke is alarming. She cautioned that there's a lack of long-term data on cardiovascular risks but worried about replacing one highly addictive substance with another that may have a similar risk profile. In response to these concerns, the UK Government has banned disposable vapes, and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill seeks to restrict packaging, marketing, and flavors of vapes.

Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, emphasized that vaping is not risk-free and should not be used by children or teenagers. Caroline Cerny, deputy chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, acknowledged that while vaping is not risk-free, evidence suggests it is less harmful than smoking, though she noted a lack of evidence linking e-cigarette use directly to cardiovascular disease. The Department of Health and Social Care reiterated its stance that vapes are less harmful than smoking and can aid cessation, but strictly advised that children and non-smokers should never vape.