UK doctors urge government to tackle ‘vaping epidemic’ among young people

The UK’s leading doctors have urged the government to take tough action against what they call “a vaping “epidemic,” particularly among the country’s youth. Their call focuses on implementing legislation banning disposable vaccines. electronic cigarettes and restricting e-cigarette flavours to just tobacco. This call was accompanied by a new report from the British Medical Association (BMA), which it describes as a “blueprint” for the bold actions needed, on Wednesday.

Earlier this year, the previous Conservative government laid out plans to phase out smoking and has introduced similar restrictions on e-cigarettes, including a ban on disposable devices and limits on flavours and packaging. However, the Labour government, which came to power last month, has yet to finalise its strategy for dealing with the bill.

The BMA report highlights a dramatic rise in vaping among children and teenagers, which has increased six-fold over the past decade. The association is urging the government to “take bold action” to halt this trend. Professor David Strain, chair of the BMA’s scientific council, highlighted the seriousness of the situation. He said that while one in ten adults currently use vapes, the rise in use among 11- to 17-year-olds is particularly alarming.

Strain highlighted the potential benefits of vaping as a smoking cessation tool for adults, but condemned its presence in youth culture. He criticized the vaping industry’s use of vibrant colors, appealing flavors and specific brands designed to appeal to younger audiences, which could lead to nicotine addiction and other health problems.

The BMA’s recommendations include banning all disposable vapes and non-tobacco flavours and restricting marketing practices similar to those applied to cigarettesThey are also calling for stricter rules on the advertising, packaging and display of e-cigarettes in shops. In addition, the BMA is advocating for government-led educational campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of vaping, especially among young people.

Penelope Toff, chair of the BMA’s public health medicine committee, stressed the need for “bold and courageous action” from the government to effectively tackle the vaping crisis.

In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson acknowledged the concerns and called the marketing of e-cigarettes to children and young people “absolutely unacceptable”. The spokesperson confirmed that the planned legislation would ban such practices while also regulating e-cigarette flavours, packaging and methods of presentation in shops.