Children's physicians are advocating for a total prohibition on disposable vapes due to potential harm to young individuals' respiratory systems and the adverse impact on the environment.

However, an anti-smoking advocacy group argues that a ban would hinder some adults' efforts to quit smoking and lead to an increase in the illegal vape trade. The UK government is devising strategies to curtail underage vaping, which may involve implementing stricter regulations on the marketing and promotion of vaping products.

Although selling vapes or e-cigarettes to children is against the law, there has been a rise in vaping experimentation among 11 to 17-year-olds, from 7.7% in 2022 to 11.6% in 2023, as revealed by a YouGov survey commissioned by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). The survey suggests that approximately 15% of 16 to 17-year-olds and 18% of 18-year-olds are current vapers. Colorful nicotine vapes with various flavors, designed for single-use and disposal, are particularly popular among teenagers, often obtained from local shops at around £5 each.

Recently, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticized the design and promotion of vapes targeting children, emphasizing that they are intended for adult smokers trying to quit.

Lab tests conducted on vapes seized from a secondary school revealed alarming levels of lead, nickel, and chromium, which could potentially be inhaled by children into their lungs. Scientists involved in the analysis described these findings as the most concerning of their kind.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) unequivocally recommends that the UK government imposes a ban on disposable e-cigarettes.

Dr. Mike McKean, Vice-President of the RCPCH and a paediatric respiratory consultant, expressed concerns about the alarming rise of youth vaping and warned that without intervention, we could unknowingly be heading towards a crisis.

While health experts emphasize that smoking tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable illness and disease in the UK, Dr. McKean emphasized that vaping products are not without risks. Research on their effects is still in the early stages, making it difficult to predict the long-term impact on the respiratory systems, cardiovascular health, and cognitive development of young individuals.

Recently, Mr. Sunak made an announcement regarding the closure of a loophole that permitted vaping companies to provide free samples to children in England. Additionally, he expressed the intention to explore the possibility of increasing fines for shops that unlawfully sell vapes. The deadline for submitting evidence on strategies to reduce youth vaping is Tuesday.

In Scotland, the First Minister has indicated that a report prepared by an environmental expert group is considering a potential ban on disposable vapes.

The RCPCH has called on governments to make a decision on whether to take further action, with a focus on prioritizing the well-being of children and the environment. However, there are those who argue that a ban on disposable vapes is unnecessary and would not achieve the desired outcome.

Controversy Surrounding a Complete Ban on Disposable Vapes

Charity and campaign group Ash warns that a complete ban on disposable vapes could inadvertently boost the illegal vape market and hinder recycling efforts.

According to Ash, disposable vapes play a crucial role in helping adult smokers, especially older individuals and those with learning disabilities, quit tobacco.

Prof Ruth Sharrock, a respiratory consultant in Gateshead, stresses the importance of exercising caution before implementing a ban, citing the valuable contribution of vapes and e-cigarettes in smoking cessation efforts. Although disposable vapes represent only a portion of vaping products, Ash estimates that 20% of former smokers who have transitioned to vaping rely on them.

Prof Nick Hopkinson, a respiratory physician and chairman of Ash, emphasizes that smoking remains the most significant health concern for both adults and children, urging increased funding for smoking cessation services and stricter regulations on vaping.

Ash proposes a £5 tax on disposable vapes to align their prices with rechargeable, reusable alternatives while still being more affordable than traditional cigarettes. Additionally, it calls for stricter regulations on the promotion of vapes in shops to reduce their appeal to children.

The vaping industry is against the idea of prohibiting single-use vapes and proposes alternative strategies, including imposing on-the-spot fines of at least £10,000 for retailers found selling vapes to minors and implementing a registration scheme that guarantees adherence to rigorous standards prior to the sale of vapes.

John Dunne, the director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), advocates for targeted action against illegal vape sales to minors as the appropriate solution.

Green Alliance, an independent think tank, highlights the wastefulness of disposable vapes, as they contribute to resource depletion and incur high recycling costs for materials like lithium, which are vital for electric car batteries. It criticizes the current government proposals as insufficient, considering their limited focus on marketing restrictions and the discontinuation of giveaways to children.

The Department for Health and Social Care in England acknowledges the issue and expresses its commitment to tackling youth vaping through the dedicated £3 million illicit vapes enforcement squad, aimed at curbing underage sales.