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 Government is currently reviewing these rules.
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