Epistle

Abstract

The alarming rise in vaping and the use of e-cigarettes by children and young persons (CYP) is a topical issue.1 Although vaping nicotine and its toxic by-products have been established to have many harmful effects, e-cigarette use has been misleadingly advertised as a viable strategy in aiding smoking cessation. There is, however, limited evidence to support this suggestion. This perception that vaping products are safe and harmless compared with combustible tobacco, together with attractive advertising and media influences, have contributed to the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among the young. Over the years, appropriate smoking legislation has proven to be effective in reducing the use of harmful combustible tobacco products. The landmark announcement by the UK government to introduce bans on disposable e-cigarettes will come in effect later this year or by early 2025. The legislation introduces not only penalties for the sale of these products, but also restrictions on flavours …