YOUNG people in East Lancashire are increasingly experimenting with novel tobacco and nicotine products, new research shows.

The six-month Durham University study showed youngsters were attracted to e-cigarettes and shisha because of the flavours available.

It also revealed most young people using e-cigarettes were also still smoking traditional cigarettes and many shisha users counted themselves as non-smokers, unaware of its health risks.

The study, commissioned by Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council, interviewed more than 300 young people aged 14 to 27.

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It comes as separate research revealed growing numbers of teenage girls now smoke shisha.

That survey of more than 150 young people aged 14 to 26, conducted in Blackburn and Darwen by community group One Voice, showed shisha smokers regarded it as a past time and were unconcerned of the health effects.

The research by Durham University experts showed:

  • Most young people using e-cigarettes continue to smoke traditional ones;
  • Only a quarter of e-cigarette users are trying to quit;
  • Significant numbers of young e-cigarette and shisha users are attracted by the flavours and tricks they can perform, such as blowing vapour or smoke rings;
  • Young people class themselves as 'non-smokers' even when smoking shisha; and
  • The majority of shisha users were unaware of its health risks.

County council health boss Azhar Ali said: “For young people, smoking is no longer just about having a cigarette with friends.

"This research shows that more and more use e-cigarettes, shisha and other innovative tobacco products making it more challenging for us to protect them from the harmful effects.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council's lead member for health, Brian Taylor said: “We are very concerned the rise in popularity of shisha and e-cigarettes may make smoking a normalised behaviour again.

“We know young people are attracted to shisha bars as a place to socialise and to e-cigarettes due to the fruit and sweet flavours.”