One-in-five teens use mind-warping chem-filled vapes

DOCTORS have warned that vapes can warp teenage brains amid new findings that one in five teens are using the dangerous devices.

- BY SEAN MURPHY

It comes as a new myth-busting guide to vaping risks for secondary school students is released ahead of World Lung Day next week.

The Irish Thoracic Society, which produced the guide, says the latest findings show a need for all disposable vapes and flavours to be banned.

A Society spokesperson said: "The guide comes as latest research from Healthy Ireland shows e-cigarette usage is highest among younger people.

"Some 17% of 15 to 24-year-olds reported that they use vapes either daily or occasionally.

"Use is higher among males in this age group at 20%, compared with females at 15%."

The Society explained that vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid made up of nicotine until it becomes a vapour or mist which is then inhaled.

A spokesman said: "Studies have found toxic and cancer-causing chemicals in the vapour of e-cigarettes.

"One review found that even non-nicotine e-cigarette liquids contained 243 unique chemicals.