Calls for Stricter Vaping Regulations in the UK

Urgent Legislation Needed, Say Medical Professionals

A leading medical association is urging the UK government to impose stricter regulations on the sale of e-cigarettes, citing a significant rise in vaping among both adults and young people. The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for a ban on all non-tobacco vape flavours and for vapes to be sold only behind the counter, similar to traditional cigarettes.

In a report published today, the BMA highlighted what it describes as a “growing epidemic” of vaping, with the number of e-cigarette users in Britain reaching 5.6 million, a sharp increase from around 800,000 in 2012. This surge in usage, particularly among young people, has raised alarm among health professionals.

Rising Concerns Over Youth Vaping

According to recent statistics from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), 7.2% of 11-17-year-olds in the UK now vape, even if only occasionally. This trend is particularly concerning for the BMA, which sees the aggressive marketing and colourful branding of vaping products as a deliberate attempt to target children.

“There is no denying we are living in a vaping epidemic,” said Professor David Strain, chair of the BMA’s board of science. “Vape usage has risen hugely in the last decade, with one in 10 adults now vaping. However, far more worrying is the increase in young people who vape, with almost six times more 11-17-year-olds vaping now compared with 10 years ago.”

Professor Strain added, “An industry so obviously targeting children with colours, flavours, and branding, to push a product that can lead to nicotine addiction and potential further harms cannot be allowed to happen any longer.”

Environmental and Health Impacts

Beyond the health implications, the BMA report also draws attention to the environmental impact of vaping. The organization estimates that two vapes are discarded every second in the UK, contributing to significant environmental waste.

“The environmental impact of this epidemic is disastrous,” Professor Strain noted. The BMA’s recommendations include a ban on the commercial sale of disposable vapes due to their disproportionate use by young people and their negative environmental effects.

Legislative Inaction

The previous Conservative government had introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill earlier this year, proposing measures to regulate the sale of vapes. However, this bill was not carried forward into the new parliamentary session. In July, the new Labour government reintroduced a bill aimed at tackling smoking and youth vaping during the King’s Speech, but specific measures have yet to be detailed.

Dr. Penelope Toff, chair of the BMA’s public health medicine committee, stressed the importance of urgent action. “The last government made significant progress putting forward a bill that included a ban on disposable vapes and plans to regulate flavours and marketing. This new government must now ensure these measures are carried through into legislation – and it would do well to go even further.”

Calls for Comprehensive Regulation

Among the key recommendations from the BMA are government-led education campaigns to inform the public about the dangers of vaping, particularly for children and young people. The association also advocates for banning all non-tobacco vape flavours, restricting all imagery, colouring, and branding on packaging and devices, and further limiting advertising and marketing practices.

The BMA’s stance is clear: “When it comes to protecting our children’s health, we cannot afford to gamble,” said Professor Strain. “We are calling on ministers to take bold and brave actions that will make a real difference, like banning all vape flavours other than tobacco.”

As the debate over vaping regulation continues, health professionals and policymakers alike will be closely watching the government’s next steps.