Vapes Harm Children
Doctors warn of health risks associated with vaping in children and young people
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has reviewed 81 studies into vaping and found it is linked to higher rates of breathing problems and evidence of harm in babies whose mothers used vapes while pregnant. According to the review, vaping should not be seen as a harmless part of growing up, and the UK government should place new restrictions around the sale of vapes.
Health Risks
The review found vaping had an association with problems including wheezing and coughing, poor oral and dental health, poor sleep, mental health problems and eye symptoms. Co-author of the systematic review, Prof Will Carroll, said the evidence showed clear links with respiratory symptoms, nicotine dependence and subsequent cigarette smoking.
Proposed Restrictions
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health is calling on the UK government to limit the number of flavours that are available, and to make vaping less attractive and accessible to children. In July, the government launched a 12-week consultation on the appearance, packaging and display of vapes with the aim of reducing the appeal of the products to children. The proposed restrictions include plain packaging with strict limits on branding and only simple flavour descriptions.
Reaction
According to a poll for the charity Action on Smoking and Health, almost one in five 11 to 17-year-olds in Britain have tried vaping. Ash chief executive Hazel Cheeseman said strong controls on marketing and promotion will be key to reducing youth vaping. The Department of Health and Social Care said children should never vape and this evidence shows just some of the risks associated, and that they have already banned single-use vapes and have legislated to ban advertising and sponsorship from next year. The charity Asthma + Lung UK said vapes can play an important role for current smokers looking to quit, but anyone who doesn't smoke, shouldn't vape, and that is especially true for children. Vice-president for policy of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Dr Mike McKean, added that a clear and concerning picture is emerging, and that they need to keep pace with a rapidly evolving market and continue to take action to protect children from nicotine products. The source of this information is the BBC, which reported on the review and the proposed restrictions. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has published the review in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood.
