When are disposable vapes being banned in the UK?
DISPOSABLE vapes could be banned under new laws to prevent children from becoming addicted to them
Health ministers are preparing to act after growing concerns that companies are marketing the products to those aged under 18.
What is a disposable vape?
Disposable vapes do not need setting up, refilling, or recharging.
On average, a disposable vape can provide anywhere from 200 to 800 puffs.
They have become increasingly popular because they are easy to buy and are billed as “healthier” than traditional cigarettes.
Vapes are sold in supermarkets and corner shops around the UK and come in sweet and fruity flavours such as bubblegum, strawberry lemonade, and blueberry.
Why is the government banning disposable vapes?
Disposable vapes could soon be banned in a bid to prevent children from becoming addicted to them.
Health ministers say that single-use e-cigs are being targeted at younger teens despite an age limit of 18.
It comes after a number of other countries have taken action on vaping.
Australia has already banned all forms of vaping, while Germany has outlawed all flavoured e-cigarettes.
New Zealand has also stopped disposable vapes while vaping is also illegal in India, Uganda, Singapore and many other countries.
When will disposable vapes be banned?
The Daily Telegraph reported that the decision will be revealed in a consultation by the Department of Health and Social Care next week (September 18 – 23).
Appearing on Sky News on September 12, Science Minister Michelle Donelan did not confirm a ban but said the government would be making “further announcements on this”.
She said: “We have been looking into this and doing a review because this is a very worrying trend that we’re seeing.
“Young children are taking up vaping who have never smoked before and it is extremely dangerous to their health and well-being and it is something we do need to act on.
“And as a government what we are trying to do is recognise what are the key challenges.”
A ban would apply in England and could allow the use of reusable vapes to continue.
The devolved administrations would set their own policy for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What are the side effects of using a disposable vape?
As vaping is still a relatively new product, it’s too soon to know what the health effects are.
However, many studies show that vaping is far less harmful than smoking.
This is because e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco, which is linked to causing cancer.
But vapes are not risk-free.
They can cause side effects such as throat and mouth irritation, headache, cough and feeling sick.
It has also been reported that vapes have been linked to at least five deaths in Britain.
How many cigarettes are in a disposable vape?
If one disposable contains 2mls of vape juice, it is roughly equivalent to one pack of 20 cigarettes.
Vapes containing 10mls of e-juice equates to approximately 100 cigarettes.