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Doctors ask government to protect children from vapes

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Vaping: Why are people worried about young people vaping?

It's estimated that around 8% of children aged 11-17 vape - that's around six times more compared to 10 years ago.

Doctors are urging the government to ban flavoured and disposable vapes.

The British Medical Association (BMA) - the professional body for doctors in the UK - says children are targets with the bright colours and fun flavours of vapes but it can lead to a harmful addiction.

While the government has been working towards a solution, the BMA say 'bold action' is needed.

Image source, Getty Images

What is the government doing to protect children from vaping?

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Disposable vapes to be banned 'for children's health'

Rishi Sunak's Conservative government introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in February which would ban disposable vapes to try and stop young people taking up vaping and to reduce the impact on the environment.

When Kier Starmer became Prime Minister, his Labour government said it would reintroduce the bill.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said:

"The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop vapes from deliberately being branded and advertised to appeal to children, including by regulating flavours, packaging and changing how and where they are displayed in shops."

What does the BMA want from the government?

Image source, Getty Images
  • All vape flavours banned

  • Disposable vapes banned

  • A ban on the use of images, colours and branding on packaging and the vape itself

  • Vapes to be kept behind the counter and taken off shelves

What is vaping and why are people concerned about it?

Image source, Getty Images

Vapes are small devices which hold a liquid containing nicotine - a substance which is also found in cigarettes - as well as other harmful chemicals. Vapes work by heating the liquid which creates a vapour, which is inhaled by the person using it.

Some adults use vapes to help them stop smoking cigarettes.

A big concern about young people using vapes illegally is that we don't know what the long-term effects are because there isn't enough research yet.