Health officials in Wales have called for nicotine patches to be offered to children who are addicted to vaping. The incident response group at Public Health Wales, which produced the report, also called for a ban on disposable vaping devices and any flavours associated with childhood, such as bubblegum and watermelon. The study concluded that addiction should be treated as a dependency issue rather than misconduct. The UK Vaping Industry Association argued that banning vapes would support the illegal market. A spokesperson for the Welsh government said it would consider the recommendations while the UK government is expected to introduce its Tobacco and Vapes Bill in 2022.
The report focused on the rise of vaping among children and young people in Wales. Although the vast majority did not vape, there has been a substantial increase, with girls particularly affected. The study found that young people felt peer pressure to vape in order to “fit in” and “look cool”. Appeals to young people may have included colourful packaging and flavours, but some felt physically addicted, suffering cravings, shaking and changes of appetite when they attempted to quit vapes. The report also detailed encounters with “vape dealers” among social circles.
According to the study, it is difficult to calculate the extent of unregulated and illegal products available, however trading standards officials in Wales seized over 257,000 such items in 2022-23. Some have higher concentrations of nicotine and can overheat, causing fires. The report proposed higher taxation on disposable vapes as an alternative to a ban, while keeping them cheaper than tobacco, to encourage smokers to switch to vaping. The report also suggested advertising, packaging and display of vapes should be restricted.
Action on Smoking and Health Wales welcomed the report, saying that it highlighted the need for urgent action. The organisation’s head, Suzanne Cass, praised the report for striking a balance by reducing the appeal of vapes to young people while not preventing access as a smoking cessation tool for smokers. The report’s authors argued that it is urgent to address the rise in youth vaping. Chris Emmerson, a PHW consultant suggested that nicotine replacement therapies could be offered to vaping children in addition to other support mechanisms.
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