Doctors are warning that vaping could pose serious health risks to children and young people, urging governments to make the products less attractive and accessible to minors.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) reviewed 81 studies on the health and social effects of vaping among children and young people.
The review found links between vaping and respiratory problems, including coughing and wheezing, as well as poor oral health, sleep problems, mental health concerns and nicotine dependence.
Researchers also found evidence of health risks to babies whose mothers used vapes during pregnancy.
Professor Will Carroll, a co-author of the review, said the evidence showed clear links between vaping, respiratory symptoms, nicotine dependence and later cigarette smoking.
The RCPCH is calling for stricter regulations, including limits on vape flavours, to reduce their appeal to children.
The warning comes as the UK government considers tighter controls on vape packaging, branding, flavours and shop displays. The measures are aimed at reducing youth vaping and protecting children from nicotine addiction.
The charity Action on Smoking and Health estimates that nearly one in five children aged 11 to 17 in Britain have tried vaping.
Health experts acknowledge that vaping can be less harmful than smoking for existing smokers trying to quit, but stress that it is not risk-free and should not be used by children or non-smokers.
