LONDON – Leading UK doctors called on the government on August 28 to tackle what they describe as a “vaping epidemic” by passing legislation to ban disposable e-cigarettes and restrict all non-tobacco flavours.
The plea comes as the British Medical Association (BMA) published a report detailing what it calls a “blueprint” for the necessary “bold actions” required to address the issue. The report highlights the concerning rise in vaping among children and young people, noting that vape use has increased nearly six-fold in the last decade among those aged 11 to 17.
“There is no denying we are living in a vaping epidemic,” said Professor David Strain, chair of the BMA’s board of science. He emphasized that while vapes may help adults quit smoking, they have no place in the lives of children, who are increasingly being targeted by an industry using colorful branding, flavors, and packaging to attract young users.
The BMA’s recommendations include banning disposable vapes, restricting sales to tobacco-flavored products only, and introducing regulations that mirror restrictions on cigarettes. The report also calls for stricter advertising and marketing rules, ensuring vapes are kept behind counters in retail settings, and launching government education campaigns on the dangers of vaping.
The UK government, which had previously outlined plans to phase out smoking and restrict e-cigarettes, is expected to revive draft legislation under the new Labour administration, which came to power last month. However, the specific details of the government’s approach have not yet been released.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care reiterated that marketing vapes to children is “utterly unacceptable” and promised upcoming legislation to regulate the sale of flavors, packaging, and how vapes are displayed in shops.
The BMA is urging the government not to shy away from taking decisive action to protect young people from nicotine addiction and potential long-term harms associated with vaping.