By Eilish O’regan
Copyright independent
Prof Des Cox, a consultant in paediatric respiratory medicine in Crumlin Hospital, was speaking as the first guide on “vaping myths” for teenagers was launched and distributed to secondary schools nationwide.
“We know from research that teenage vapers are three to five times more likely to take up tobacco smoking when compared with non-vapers,” said Dr Cox.
“Indeed, the earlier that young people start vaping, the more likely they are to have long-term heart and lung damage.
“It has also been linked to mental health problems, alcohol and marijuana use.”
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He said the hope is that the new guide, produced by the Irish Thoracic Society to mark World Lung Day on Thursday, will allow young people to be “better informed when it comes to making personal decisions around vaping and what it means for their health”.
It comes as Department of Health research shows e-cigarette usage is highest among younger people, with 17pc of 15-24-year-olds smoking them daily or occasionally.
Prof Marcus Kennedy, president of the Irish Thoracic Society, said it is time for the Government to proceed with a ban of flavoured and disposable vapes.
We know that flavours are among the reasons most cited by young people in being attracted to, and starting, vaping
The Public Health (Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2025 was published this year and proposes major changes to how vaping products are regulated, including a complete ban on flavoured varieties.
Prof Kennedy said: “We know that flavours are among the reasons most cited by young people in being attracted to, and starting, vaping. They decrease the perception of harm and increase the take-up of e-cigarettes.
“We also know that the availability of disposable vapes has led to a significant rise in adolescent vaping.”
The booklet says the mist “created by your vape contains many harmful chemicals – for example propylene glycol which is used to make products such as antifreeze and paint solvent.”
Acrolein can be included. Mostly used in weed killer, it risks irreversible lung damage.
“Vaping messes with your lungs, brain, heart – especially if you are still growing.
“Nicotine also affects your mental health by making anxiety and depression worse and giving you memory and sleep problems.
“Even brief exposure to nicotine can produce a permanent change in your brain,” it says.
“Some believe that a vape will reduce their anxiety as the nicotine in vapes can make you feel relaxed immediately after you inhale.
“Unfortunately, the nicotine level will fall within minutes and you can experience withdrawal symptoms such as further anxiety and increased stress,” it warns.
Teenagers are also told their lungs are still developing, making them more vulnerable than an adult to the toxic effects of vaping.
And it says vaping can cause restlessness, nightmares and insufficient sleep.
“Remember, the part of your brain responsible for decision-making, reward-processing and emotional regulation continues to develop at least until you are 25 years of age.
“Some of the brain changes from vaping can be permanent and can affect you into your adulthood.”
The booklet is also available from irishthoracicsociety.com/vaping
