Concerns grow as child hospitalizations related to vaping see a significant increase
Hospitalizations of children under 18 due to vaping have reached a record high, according to NHS data. As the festive season begins, vape companies are targeting young people with enticing deals and flavors like Christmas pudding, candy cane, mince pies, and gingerbread.
Although vaping is illegal for those under 18, sales continue to rise, with minimal checks on purchases. It is against the law to sell nicotine vaping products to minors or for adults to buy them on their behalf.
The NHS reports that between April and October of this year, 31 individuals under the age of 18 were hospitalized in England due to vaping-related issues.
E-cigarettes can cause lung damage or pneumonia in heavy users, with excessive nicotine intake leading to dizziness and vomiting. By March 2024, 53 young patients had been treated for vaping-related issues, a rise compared to the 51 patients recorded in 2023.
NHS National Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, expressed concern in a statement, saying, “It is deeply troubling that more than 30 children and young people have been hospitalized over the past seven months due to vaping-related issues, such as breathlessness and potential lung damage.”
He also pointed out, “With vape companies promoting festive deals and flavors like Christmas pudding, candy cane, mince pies, and gingerbread, they are likely targeting younger audiences. Despite age restrictions on websites, these products can often be purchased with little to no verification.”
This year, 280 people of all ages have been hospitalized due to vaping, compared to 317 in the previous year and 431 in 2022, the highest number in recent years. Despite a slight decline, vaping among young people continues to rise, with the number of hospital admissions increasing from 11 in 2020 to 51 last year.
Vaping, often used by adults as a smoking cessation tool, is unsuitable for children and young people. Since their lungs and brains are still developing, they are particularly vulnerable to its effects.
According to the NHS, young people should be aware of the following facts about vaping:
Vaping is designed for adults to help them quit smoking, not for non-smokers, especially children and young people, to try.
While vaping is less harmful than smoking, it is not risk-free.
Vaping exposes users to some toxins, and the long-term risks are still not fully understood.
Most vapes contain nicotine, which is addictive.
Young people are more vulnerable to the effects of nicotine, as the developing brain is more sensitive to its addictive properties.
It is illegal in the UK to sell nicotine vaping products to anyone under 18 or for adults to purchase them on their behalf.
Many disposable vapes sold do not meet UK safety regulations and may contain harmful substances in high levels.
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