When we talk about the dangers of smoking, most of us think about lung cancer, heart disease, or shortened life expectancy. But new research suggests the risks may go even further — across generations.
At the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress 2025 in Amsterdam, scientists revealed that children of men who smoked during puberty may age faster than expected.
What the Research Found
The study, led by Dr. Juan Pablo López-Cervantes from the University of Bergen, Norway, explored how a father’s teenage smoking habits could influence his future children.
The findings showed that people whose fathers started smoking at age 15 or younger displayed signs of accelerated biological ageing compared to their actual age.
This was measured using epigenetic clocks, a scientific tool that tracks chemical changes in DNA. These changes — known as epigenetic marks — don’t alter our genetic code, but they do affect how our genes are switched on or off. Over time, they can speed up ageing and increase the risk of diseases such as cancer, dementia, and cardiovascular illness.
Why Puberty Is a Critical Window
Puberty is a sensitive phase when a boy’s reproductive system is still developing. If smoking damages sperm cells during this period, that damage may be carried forward to the next generation.
Dr. López-Cervantes explained:
“Our research group has previously shown that smoking during puberty may harm not only the person who smokes, but also their future children. In this new study, we wanted to explore whether parental smoking in puberty may also influence the biological ageing of their future children.”
Beyond the Smoker: The Multigenerational Impact
The idea that a teenager’s cigarette could shape the biology of their future children may sound surprising, but it fits into a growing body of research on epigenetics — how lifestyle and environmental factors influence gene expression across generations.
In simple terms, this study shows that smoking in puberty doesn’t just harm you — it may leave a biological footprint on your children, accelerating how fast they age.
Why This Matters for Public Health
These findings strengthen the call for stricter tobacco prevention programs aimed at teenagers. By stopping young people from picking up cigarettes, we aren’t just protecting them today — we may also be safeguarding the health and longevity of their children tomorrow.
Public health experts believe this research is another reason to:
The Bottom Line
The message is clear: smoking during puberty has consequences that can ripple into the next generation. By protecting teenagers from tobacco use, we are not only reducing immediate health risks but also preventing hidden harms that may affect their future children’s ageing and overall health.
What we do in adolescence doesn’t stay in adolescence — it may shape the future of generations to come.