Children under the age of 18 being hospitalized due to vaping is at a record high, according to NHS records. With the festive season kicked off vape companies are pushing out deals and flavours like Christmas pudding, candy cane, mince pies, or gingerbread to attract youngsters.
Though vaping is illegal for individuals under 18, the sale is on the surge, with little to no checks to purchase them. It is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to anyone under 18 or for adults to buy them on behalf of under 18s.
According to NHS, between April and October this year, 31 individuals under the age of 18 were admitted to hospital in England with vaping-related issues.
E-cigarettes can lead to lung damage or pneumonia in heavy users. Too much nicotine causes dizziness and vomiting. 53 young patients were treated by March 2024 due to vaping, which is high compared to the 51 patients recorded in 2023.
NHS National Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, in a release, said, “More than 30 children and young people being admitted to hospital over seven months for conditions linked to vaping, such as breathlessness and potential lung damage, is simply alarming.”
“With vape companies pumping out Christmas deals and festive flavours, like Christmas pudding, candy cane, mince pies or gingerbread, they are likely to be appealing to younger age groups, and despite websites often stating vapes are for over 18s, it is possible to purchase them with little to no checks,” he added.
280 patients of all ages have been hospitalised this year due to vaping. The previous year it was 317. In 2022, 431 were admitted, which is the highest record in recent years. However, the vaping trend is on the rise, amongst youngsters, with the number of patients admitted due to illness rising from 11 in 2020 to 51 last year.
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Vaping, which is used as a measure for adults to quit smoking, is not suitable for children and young people. As their lungs and brains are developing, they are most prone to its effects.
According to NHS, young people should know the below facts about vaping.
- Vaping is a way for adults to stop smoking. It’s not for non-smokers, especially children and young people to try.
- Though vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, it’s not risk-free.
- People who vape get exposed to some toxins, and we are yet to learn about its long-term risks and downside.
- Most vapes contain nicotine, which is addictive.
- Young people are more prone to its side effects compared to adults, as evidence suggests the developing brain is more sensitive to its addictive effects.
- It is illegal in the UK, to sell nicotine vaping products to those under 18s or adults to buy them on their behalf.
- Many disposable vapes on sale are illegal as they do not meet UK safety regulations. Such vapes may contain high levels of harmful substances.
(Pic courtesy: iStock)
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
