William Eichler 06 June 2023

Children’s doctors call for disposable e-cigarette ban

Children’s doctors call for disposable e-cigarette ban  image
Image: rblfmr / Shutterstock.com.

Paediatricians today called for an outright ban of disposable e-cigarettes.

Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health urged the Government to ban these products due to their ‘disproportionate use’ among children and young people and their detrimental impact on the environment.

They warned that e-cigarettes are not a risk-free product and can be more addictive than traditional cigarettes.

Under the current rules retailers are allowed to sell ‘nicotine-free’ vapes to under-18s and to hand out free samples to consumers regardless of their age.

The latest NHS figures for 2021 showed that 9% of 11 to 15-year-old children used e-cigarettes, up from 6% in 2018.

RCPCH VP for Policy and Paediatric Respiratory Consultant Dr Mike McKean said: ‘Without a doubt, disposable e-cigarettes should be banned. There is absolutely no reason that these cheap, readily available, brightly coloured, recreational products should be single use.

‘Youth vaping is fast becoming an epidemic among children, and I fear that if action is not taken, we will find ourselves sleep walking into a crisis.

‘Westminster’s approach to this problem is out of step with even our closest neighbours, with countries such as Scotland, France, Germany, and Ireland all seriously considering a ban.’

The Local Government Association (LGA) recently warned that shops and other outlets selling vaping products to under-18s has become a major concern for councils.

The Government is currently reviewing these rules.

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Executive Director – Adult Social Care, Health & Wellbeing

Sefton Borough Council
£131,208 (Hay 1)
Lead with Purpose. Build on Excellence. Shape the Future of Health and Wellbeing in Sefton. Sefton (Metropolitan borough), Merseyside
Recuriter: Sefton Borough Council

Strategic Finance Business Partners (five roles)

Nottingham City Council
up to £80k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Director of Finance (Strategy) – deputy S151

Nottingham City Council
up to £125k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Customer Specialist

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Customer SpecialistPermanent, Part Time£25,081 pro rataLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Specialist

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum
Customer SpecialistPermanent, Part Time£25,081 to £27,653 pro rataLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner