United Kingdom will ban vapes to prevent use by children – 01/30/2024 – Health

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced this Monday (29) that the sale of disposable vapes will be banned in the United Kingdom to prevent their use by children. In a statement, the head of government also reinforced his intention to create a law that prevents young people from purchasing tobacco.

Under the new rules, there will be restrictions on vape flavors, simple packaging requirements, and guidelines to make the presentation of electronic cigarettes less attractive to children.

“Along with our commitment to prevent the legal sale of cigarettes to children who are 15 years of age or younger, these changes will leave a lasting legacy protecting the long-term health of our children,” the statement said.

According to the British government, smoking is the biggest cause of preventable deaths in the United Kingdom, and is associated with 1 in 4 cancer-related deaths, around 80,000 per year. In October, Sunak announced plans to pass a law so that anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, will be banned from buying tobacco for life.

Although vapes are promoted by the industry as a tool for those who want to quit smoking, the British government is concerned that they may be driving nicotine addiction among young people – around 9% of teenagers aged 11 to 15 use electronic cigarettes in the country.

In December, the WHO (World Health Organization) said that all vape flavors should be banned.

However, groups such as the UK Vape Industry Association argue that e-cigarettes pose considerably less health risk than tobacco, and that flavors are key to encouraging smokers to switch.

“I have an obligation to do what I think is the right thing for our country in the long term,” Sunak said. “That’s why I’m taking bold action to ban disposable vapes – which have driven consumption among young people – and bring in new rules to restrict flavors, introduce plain packaging and change the way vapes are displayed in stores.”

The government adds that, in addition to the health benefits, banning disposable vapes would help the environment, as five million units are discarded every week.