Health officials have banded together to denounce the rise of disposable vapes and the "disgraceful" strategies employed by tobacco companies to target children.
The sale of disposable vapes should be outlawed nationwide, according to nine public health directors who work in Cheshire and Merseyside.
They claimed that the alarming rate of vaping's growth and the possibility of harmful, unidentified ingredients raised concerns.
To combat youth vaping, the government claimed to be taking "bold action.".
It was revealed last month that a loophole allowing retailers to give free vape samples to kids would be closed.
The nine directors represent the following council districts: Chester, Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St. Helens, Warrington, and Wirral.
Concerned about the "negative impact vaping can have on health and wellbeing, especially among our children," they stated that they were concerned.
They added, "Over the years, there has been a significant decline in the number of smokers.
"However, in our capacity as public health directors, we must constantly be on the lookout for any new trends that could undermine this favorable result.
One and a third million vapes are thrown away every week in the UK, and lower-quality vaping products are easily accessible on the high street and may contain unidentified ingredients that could be harmful. Disposable vapes also harm the environment by producing unnecessary plastic waste. ".
The group acknowledged that e-cigarettes can aid in quitting smoking, but added that it was "inacceptable that colorful, coveted, plastic e-cigarettes are permeating children's lives and laying the groundwork for a life-long dangerous smoking habit.".
They called it "disgraceful" when attempts were made to make vaping "cool" among kids.
"There is no question that tobacco companies' aggressive marketing and advertising campaigns, which include providing a wide range of alluring flavors and colors, are to blame. ".
The nine directors are requesting:.
- a total national ban on the trade in disposable vapes.
- Additional limitations and guidelines for the promotion and marketing of vapes.
- Retailers who sell illegal vaping products and vapes to people under 18 should face a significant increase in fines.
- a prompt response from the Department of Health and Social Care regarding the creation of the $3 million "illicit vapes enforcement squad" that was promised.
- the beginning of a consultation regarding the licensing and regulation of vapes.
- enhancing the authority and capability of regional Trading Standards teams to implement new rules and licensing.
According to the Department of Health and Social Care, "while vaping is a preferable alternative to smoking for adults, it is unlawful to sell nicotine vapes to children, and we are concerned about the recent increases in youth vaping, particularly the use of disposable vaping products.
"We issued a call for evidence to explore a number of issues, including the marketing and promotion of vapes, in order to find ways to decrease the number of children who access and use vape products. The government is now considering a variety of options based on the evidence submitted after the call for evidence was closed.
"Through the £3 million illicit vapes enforcement squad, we are also taking bold action to combat underage sales of tobacco products to children.
. "
