E-cigarettes are a gateway to smoking for teens

Of those who do not use cigarettes but do vape, 34.4 per cent smoke a year later
This is compared to only nine per cent who did not previously use e-cigarettes
Occasional smokers are nearly twice as likely to increase their habit if they vape
Smoking is more likely among teens whose family and peers indulge in the habit
Researchers think e-cigarettes may normalise nicotine use, prompting smoking

By Alexandra Thompson Health Reporter For Mailonline

Published: 09:35 BST, 18 August 2017 | Updated: 09:35 BST, 18 August 2017

E-cigarettes are a gateway to smoking for teenagers, new research suggests.

Of those who have never tried cigarettes but do vape, 34.4 per cent smoke a year later, a study found.

This is compared to only nine per cent who did not previously use e-cigs, the research adds.

The study also found occasional smokers are nearly twice as likely to increase their habit if they vape.

Researchers believe e-cigarettes may normalise nicotine use.

E-cigarettes are a gateway to smoking for teenagers, new research suggests (stock image)

E-CIGARETTES ARE AS DANGEROUS AS SMOKING: ONE PUFF COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A HEART ATTACK

Just one puff of an e-cigarette could be all it takes to increase the risk of a heart attack, research suggested earlier this month.

After just five minutes of vape exposure, mice’s arteries narrow by 30 percent within an hour, a study found.

Their blood vessels are also less able to dilate, which is required to lower blood pressure, the research adds.

Previous research reveals narrow arteries can result in heart attacks or stroke.

Researchers wrote: ‘These data indicate that e-cigs should not be considered safe and that they induce significant deleterious effects.’

How the study was carried out

Researchers from the University of Leeds analysed surveys completed by 2,386 13-to-14 year olds from 20 schools across England.

The study’s participants were asked how much and often they smoke or vape, as well as their attitude towards cigarettes.

Carbon dioxide on their breath was also assessed to determine whether they had recently smoked.

This was all repeated a year later.

One-third smoke a year after vaping

Results reveal that among those who have never tried cigarettes but have vaped, 34.4 per cent light up a year later.

This is compared to only nine per cent who have not previously tried e-cigarettes.

Occasional smokers are nearly twice as likely to increase their habit if they vape.

Starting smoking is significantly more likely among adolescents whose family and friends indulge in the habit, and less common in those who have a negative attitude towards cigarettes.

Researchers believe e-cigarettes may normalise nicotine use.

Yet, they add more research into the subject is required.

The researchers wrote: ‘Given the lack of clarity regarding the mechanism linking e-cigarette and cigarette use, we need to be cautious in making policy recommendations based on our findings.’

The findings were published in the journal Tobacco Control.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk