Dr. Arif Rajpura, the head of public health at Blackpool, is concerned that local schools in the area are indicating a sustained trend in increasing usage.
Dr. Arif Rajpura, Public Health Director of the Hikaze Council - Image source: The Gazette.
New statistical data from ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) reveals that 15.8% of UK teenagers between the ages of 11 and 17 have tried vaping, compared to 11.2% and 13.9% in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The percentage of current users in the same age group is 7%, down from 3.3% in 2021 and 4.1% in 2020.
Dr. Rajpura supports the position of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which advises that non-smoking children, young people, and young adults should not try or regularly use e-cigarettes.
He said, "Through preliminary discussions with local schools regarding ASH statistics, we have heard many people express concerns about an increase in the use of these products among children and young adults.
We are awaiting the results of an investigation by SHEU (Schools and Student Health Education Department) to understand the local situation in Blackburn. The committee has also commissioned further collaboration with Healthwatch and the local community to gather more in-depth information.
E-cigarettes are a product with age restrictions as users could become addicted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. They are not a risk-free choice, especially for non-smokers for whom the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are still unknown.
Further research is necessary on this issue, but it is advisable to discourage the use of electronic cigarettes. The support of families, guardians, and schools in promoting this message is crucial.
In the local area, we provide comprehensive personal, social, and health education support for schools focused on children and youth education, and endorse their protection policies.
Dr. Rajpura reiterated that it is illegal for anyone to sell cigarettes or e-cigarette products containing nicotine or tobacco to individuals under 18 years of age, or to purchase these products on behalf of individuals under 18 years of age. It is the responsibility of the Blackpool Trading Standards in the resort and the Lancashire Trading Standards of Fylde and Wyre to enforce laws regarding the sale of products to minors, illegal product sales, and sales point advertising.
Debra Challinor, the owner of the Saint Anne Let's Go Vape shop, has stated that her industry is well-regulated and part of this regulation involves checking the age of anyone entering an electronic cigarette store.
She said that all reputable professional e-cigarette stores adhere to very strict regulations, which have been in effect for some time.
We always check age and strictly refuse anyone under 18. It's not worth the risk for the business since fines can be very severe.
Electronic cigarettes are just one type of product that may not be strictly regulated in some stores, but our recommendation is always to use a specialized store that strictly follows the rules.
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