STUDENTS in Droitwich have taken part in a leading academic study looking at the impact of vaping on human health.
Pupils from Droitwich Spa High School took part in a seminar investigating what has become a hot topic facing young people with researchers taking a fresh, evidence-based approach.
Rather than relying on scare tactics or oversimplified messaging, the session set out to educate students on what science currently knows – and doesn’t know – about vaping.
Specifically, the research is a long-term investigation into the effects of vaping on blood vessel health – with the school session sparking curiosity, critical thinking and meaningful discussion.
Students were presented with data showing a rise in vaping, particularly among young people who might otherwise never have smoked.
This led to questions about whether vaping could act as a gateway to smoking or other substance use – questions science has yet to provide a definitive answer to.
The session was organised as part of Wychavon’s campaign to raise awareness of the impacts of vaping among young people and led by Dr Antonis Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou, reader in Sports and Exercise Science at Leeds Beckett University.
It offered a rare glimpse into real-world scientific research with further seminars in schools in the district planned.
Students were introduced to the study, led by Prof Markos Klonizakis, professor of vascular and clinical physiology at Sheffield Hallam University, alongside Dr Aamer Sandoo, senior lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at Bangor University and Dr Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou.
The study is using advanced techniques such as ultrasound imaging to examine how vaping affects blood flow and artery function.
Dr Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou said: “Students were especially engaged when we demonstrated how we scan arteries and measure blood flow.
“It’s clear practical, hands-on science resonates far more than PowerPoint slides.”
While the study is still ongoing, early expectations suggest non-smokers who take up vaping may experience a decline in vascular health and those who both smoke and vape are expected to have the poorest outcomes.
Councillor Dan Birch, Wychavon’s executive board member for wellbeing, social mobility and transformation, said: “This provided the students with the opportunity to study the science – and look at the evidence – for themselves so they learn about the harm being caused by vaping rather than being told.”
Dr Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou added: “Vaping may be less harmful than smoking, but it is not healthy. The seminar encouraged students to rethink the language often used around vaping. We need to stop calling it ‘healthier’ and start calling it what it is – harmful, just perhaps less harmful than smoking.”
Students who attended the session will now take on the role of peer educators, sharing what they’ve learned with classmates in the hope of preventing others from starting – or encouraging those who already vape to stop.
Maisie Truman, Maths teacher and Student Leadership Coordinator, said: “We are very grateful to Wychavon for supporting us in tackling vaping among young people.
“Our students have expressed clearly that they want to know the nitty gritty about what might happen to their bodies if they partake in vaping.
“While it’s clear from Antonis’ research that we don’t know all of the answers yet, equipping young people with the opportunity to make truly informed decisions is key in raising awareness among teenagers.”
Jacob Daniels, a Year 12 student, described the workshop and ‘very insightful and interactive’.
He added: “It’s clear that, from a scientific perspective, vaping has no clear physical benefits. It will be interesting to see how the data shown to us develops over time.”
