Vaping Harms Youths’ Health, Study Reveals

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA team.

A young African man vaping from a hookah. Image Credit: Freepik

Over the past few years, vaping has quietly made its way into the lives of many young people across the world. What began as a “safer” alternative to smoking has now become a growing health concern. From school corridors to street corners, young people are inhaling from vapour-filled devices without fully understanding what they may be doing to their bodies and minds.

A new study has pooled together evidence from dozens of scientific reviews to paint a clear picture of vaping’s impact on young people. The findings are sobering and they challenge the idea that vaping is harmless.

What Is Vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling vapour produced by an electronic device known as an e-cigarette or vape. Unlike traditional cigarettes that burn tobacco, vapes heat a liquid called e-liquid or “vape juice” to create an aerosol that is breathed into the lungs.

This liquid usually contains nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals that help produce the vapour. Many people believe vaping is safer because it doesn’t involve smoke but the vapour still contains substances that can harm the lungs, heart and brain over time.

Some vapes are nicotine-free but studies have shown that even these can contain toxic ingredients. The sweet flavours and stylish designs make them appealing to young people, yet the nicotine in many vapes is highly addictive and once hooked, users often find it difficult to stop.

About the Study

The research was carried out by a team of scientists from the University of York and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The study reviewed 56 previous scientific reviews from across the world, focusing on people under 25 years old and it looked at both the short and long-term health effects of vaping.

The researchers also examined how vaping is linked to smoking, substance use, lung health, mental health and other physical outcomes such as injuries, oral health and fertility. In research terms, this kind of study is called an umbrella review, which means it summarises findings from multiple systematic reviews to give a better understanding of the evidence.

What the Study Found

Across several health areas, vaping was consistently linked to real, measurable harms which are deeply concerning.

Vaping risks. Click on image to enlarge. Data from: Golder S, Hartwell G, Barnett LM, et al. (2025)

1. A Gateway to Smoking

One of the strongest findings was the connection between vaping and cigarette smoking. The review found that young people who vape are about three times more likely to start smoking cigarettes compared to those who don’t.

In other words, instead of helping young people avoid smoking, vaping may actually be pushing them towards it. The researchers believe this shows a causal relationship, meaning vaping might be the starting point that leads to cigarette use.

2. Substance Use and Addiction

The review also found a clear link between vaping and the use of other substances such as alcohol, marijuana and stimulants. Young people who vape were three times more likely to use marijuana and four times more likely to consume alcohol than those who didn’t. Some studies even linked vaping to the misuse of prescription drugs like Ritalin and Adderall.

This shows that vaping may not just be an isolated habit. It could be part of a pattern of risky behaviour among young people, many of whom see vaping as harmless or trendy.

Related: Alcohol Use Disorder in African Youths and Top 5 Abused Substances by Nigerian Youths

3. Breathing Problems and Asthma

Vaping was found to affect the lungs. The scientists reported a strong association between vaping and asthma, both in terms of new cases and worsening of existing asthma, with the risk increasing by about 20–36% for developing asthma and 44% for worsening symptoms. Young people who vape were also more likely to suffer from coughing, wheezing and bronchitis. Some cases of serious lung injury, known as EVALI, were also linked to vape products, especially those containing marijuana oils.

4. Mental Health Concerns

The study found that vaping may take a toll on mental health too. Young people who vaped were more likely to report depression, suicidal thoughts and even suicide attempts. For example, those who used e-cigarettes were found to be over six times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those who didn’t vape.

While not all studies proved that vaping directly causes these mental health issues, the repeated associations were alarming enough to call for further investigation.

5. Physical Injuries and Other Effects

Aside from health problems, vaping was also linked to burns and explosions when devices malfunctioned. There were reports of young people suffering face, hand and leg injuries when vape batteries exploded in their pockets or during use.

The review also found possible links between vaping and poor oral health, such as dry mouth, gum pain and cracked teeth. Some studies even suggested that male vapers may have lower sperm counts, hinting at possible effects on fertility.

What the Study Means for Africans

In many African countries, vaping is becoming increasingly common, especially among urban youth who see it as modern and less harmful than cigarettes. The sweet flavours, colourful packaging and strong social media marketing make it appealing to teenagers and young adults. However, this new evidence shows that vaping is far from safe and if not properly regulated, the continent could face a new wave of nicotine addiction and vaping-related illnesses.

Public health agencies and governments need to take this seriously by enacting stronger policies to limit vape sales. Schools and parents also need to be more aware of the subtle ways vaping products are being promoted and disguised as harmless fun. For individuals, especially young Africans, this study is a reminder to be cautious. The same industries that once misled the world about cigarettes are now rebranding nicotine through vaping and just like before, it’s the youth who are paying the price.

Beyond the lungs and heart, vaping poses another silent danger — addiction. Many young people who start vaping become dependent on nicotine, often without realising how addictive it is. This makes it harder for them to stop and increases their risk of switching to cigarettes or other substances.

The study also pointed out a worrying lack of research on how vaping affects brain development in young people. Since the teenage brain is still developing, nicotine exposure could have long-term effects on memory, focus and impulse control.

Wrap Up

The idea that vaping is a “safe” or “clean” alternative for young people has been firmly challenged by this study. From increased smoking and substance use to mental health issues and lung problems, the evidence shows that vaping carries real health risks.

For African societies, where tobacco control laws are still catching up, the time to act is now. Restricting vape marketing, raising awareness and helping young people understand the truth about vaping are key steps in preventing a future public health crisis. In the end, vaping is not just about blowing flavoured clouds. It’s about the silent damage that those clouds may be causing to young lungs, young minds and young futures.

Source: Golder S, Hartwell G, Barnett LM, et al. Vaping and harm in young people: umbrella review. Tobacco Control. Published Online First: 19 August 2025. doi: 10.1136/tc-2024-059219. Available from here

Published: October 15, 2025

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