The project is one of three sets of research commissioned to showcase why children should never buy into the habit.
Currently, the long-term health impacts of vaping are not yet known, though new research by the government should provide a better picture. The study, which is estimated to cost £62million, is set to track 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years over a decade. It is one of three sets of research being done by the government, alongside the launch of England’s first-ever public health marketing campaign to educate children on vaping harms.
‘We know that vaping can be a useful tool to quit smoking,’ Ashley Dalton, minister for public health and prevention said. ‘But it’s crucial we have clear evidence on the long-term health harms, especially for young people.
‘This landmark series of studies combined with our first nationwide youth vaping, will help drive evidence-based, decisive action to protect our children’s future.’
The news likewise coincides with the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill – a legislation designed to clamp down on youth vaping by limiting flavours and changing the packaging to a less appealing design.
Arguably the study couldn’t have come at a better time. The number of young people who have begun vaping has skyrocketed in the last few years, with a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds having tried it.
Professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR CEO and chief scientific adviser to the department of health and social care, added: ‘With vaping on the rise among young people, it is crucial that we develop a solid evidence base to better understand its health impacts, and help ensure we protect and support the next generation.
‘By investing in important research such as this we give young people, parents and policymakers the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and safeguard long-term health.’
The study is being funded by UK Research and Innovation and has been launched to collect data on young people’s behaviour, biology and health records to understand was affects their health – vaping being a significant part of this.
Photo by Elsa Olofsson via UnSplash
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