The government must ban flavoured and disposable vapes, doctors say, to protect children against a growing epidemic of use in the UK. The British Medical Association says bold action is needed and vapes have no rightful place in young people’s lives.
Children are being targeted with colours, branding and flavours such as bubble gum or candy floss, it says, to push a product that can lead to nicotine addiction. About 8% of 11-17-year-olds vape, according to estimates.
Although it was already illegal to sell any vape to anyone under 18, Prof David Strain, who chairs the BMA’s Board of Science, said children still needed more protection. There is no denying we are living in a vaping epidemic,” he said.
“Vape usage has risen hugely in the last decade, with one in 10 adults now vaping. However, far more worrying, is the increase in young people who vape, with almost six times more 11-17-year-olds vaping now compared with 10 years ago. As a doctor, I understand the role vapes can play in helping people to stop smoking – but they have no rightful place in our children and young people’s lives and when it comes to protecting their health, we cannot afford to gamble.
Prof Strain told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme vapes were designed to help people quit smoking. Well over half the adults using vapes are ex-smokers – they’ve successfully used the vape to quit,” he said. But he added that “fancy” packaging and flavours were marketed at young people.
Source: BBC
In other news – NHS warns of continued short supply of blood
England‘s blood donor service has warned blood stocks are still in short supply as it launches a fresh appeal for donors. Supplies of blood have improved since an “amber alert” in July but there is still a risk that the care of hospital patients could be impacted, officials said.
The number of people booking appointments to donate is dropping off over the coming months, said the service. Read more
