Doctors warn vaping could cause long-term harm to children’s health

Speaking at the annual congress of the European Society of Cardiology in Madrid, doctors said they are increasingly worried about the health risks linked to vaping, especially among adolescents.

Prof. Maja-Lisa Løchen, a senior cardiologist at the University Hospital of North Norway, said vaping raises blood pressure and heart rate while making arteries stiffer over time. According to experts, repeated vaping can increase the risk of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, stroke, and even heart attacks later in life.

Doctors also warned that nicotine in e-cigarettes can strongly affect developing brains. Since the brain continues developing into a person’s 20s, children and teenagers may face a higher risk of addiction and long-term neurological problems.

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Researchers explained that heated vape liquids can release harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, both linked to cancer and cardiovascular disease. These chemicals may damage blood vessels and increase inflammation in the body.

Prof. Susanna Price from Royal Brompton Hospital in London said scientists still do not fully understand the long-term effects of vaping because e-cigarettes are relatively new. However, she warned against treating vaping as completely safe.

Health charities are also urging governments to act. Dr. Charmaine Griffiths from the British Heart Foundation said no child or teenager should use e-cigarettes and called for stronger measures to reduce youth vaping.

Some experts are now supporting stricter global controls or bans on e-cigarette sales, arguing that current evidence already shows vaping is not harmless.

Medical professionals say more long-term research is needed, but they stress that rising vaping rates among young people remain a major public health concern worldwide.