Teenage vapers get new warnings on how nicotine ‘can change your brain’

Teenagers are being warned of the potential harms from vaping. Photo: Jacob King/PA

Even brief exposure to nicotine can make it harder to learn or concentrate, and it can produce lasting changes in the teenage brain, a respiratory consultant has warned.

Prof Des Cox, a consultant in paediatric respiratory medicine in Crumlin Hospital, was speaking as the first guide on “vaping myths” for teenagers was launched and distributed to secondary schools nationwide.

“We know from research that teenage vapers are three to five times more likely to take up tobacco smoking when compared with non-vapers,” said Dr Cox.

“Indeed, the earlier that young people start vaping, the more likely they are to have long-term heart and lun

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