Vape companies slammed for ‘pumping out festive flavours’ to entice youngsters | UK | News | EUROtoday

England’s high physician has slammed vape firms for “pumping out Christmas deals and festive flavours” to entice kids as rising numbers undergo critical well being results.

Provisional NHS knowledge exhibits 280 folks have been admitted to hospital with vaping-related problems within the seven months to the top of October – together with 31 aged 19 and below.

NHS nationwide medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis stated: “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.”

Hospital admissions for vaping-related problems are rising at an alarming fee. There have been 51 admissions recorded amongst kids and youngsters in 2023-24, up from simply 11 in 2021-22.

Across all age teams a complete of 317 folks wanted hospital care within the 12 months to March.

A latest NHS report discovered that in 2023, one in 4 pupils aged 11 to fifteen had tried vaping and 9% have been common e-cigarette customers.

Another survey by Action on Smoking and Health earlier this 12 months discovered younger folks have been more and more being uncovered to promoting for vapes.

Some 72% of 11 to 17-year-olds stated they’d seen vape promotions, together with 55% in retailers and 29% on-line.

Sir Stephen added: “While vapes can be a useful tool to help adults quit smoking, they should not be used by children and under 18s.

“There’s nothing joyful or enjoyable concerning the critical impact they’ll have on younger folks’s well being in addition to the potential long-term penalties.

“We urge online retailers to ensure they have proper checks in places, including age verification, to avoid young people purchasing festive flavoured vapes over the festive period.”