Government Under Pressure to Ban Single-Use Vapes as Concerns Over Youth Use Rise

The junior health minister, Neil O'Brien, has proposed a "swap to stop" scheme to encourage vaping as a substitute for traditional tobacco products, but health groups are concerned about the relatively short history of e-cigarettes and the lack of knowledge about their long-term health effects.

Environmental organizations are also concerned about the disposal of single-use vapes, which contain single-use plastic, nicotine, and batteries, including lithium.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a ban on single-use vapes, while Labour has demanded restrictions on marketing that makes them appealing to children.

It is understood that a series of health groups have submitted evidence to the government review calling for a ban on single-use vapes.

While the latest NHS statistics for e-cigarette use among children showed 9% of those aged 11 to 15 used them, the Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health has said it could be as high as 15%.

There is research showing that young people who vape are three times more likely to subsequently smoke than those who do not.

Some health groups have wider concerns about the approach of the government to encourage vaping as a substitute for traditional tobacco products, while there are concerns that the types of single-use vapes favored by children are often illegal.

The UK Department of Health and Social Care is concerned about the rise in youth vaping and is exploring ways to tackle it through a recently launched call for evidence.

They are not in favor of banning any vaping category, as this would drive smoking rates back up and lead to more deaths and costs to society.

In addition, they have announced the creation of an illicit vapes enforcement squad to remove illegal products from shelves and stop them from crossing borders.

It is already illegal to sell vapes to children.