Vaping damages young people’s lungs as much as smoking, study suggests

The proportion of adults in Britain using vapes has climbed steadily over recent years, particularly among young people. Photograph: Jacob King/PA

Vaping damages young people’s lungs as much as smoking, according to research that has prompted fresh debate over the health risks of e-cigarettes.

The study compared vapers and smokers in a strenuous exercise test and found both groups emerged as being less fit and much more out of breath than people who have neither habit.