The BBC has highlighted the publication of a report by the British Medical Association (BMA) into the “growing epidemic” of vaping (visit www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq82dlv1g3lo).

The BMA says bold action is needed and vapes have no rightful place in young people’s lives. Children are being targeted with colours, branding and flavours such as bubble gum or candy floss, it says, to push a product that can lead to nicotine addiction.

Professor David Strain, Chair the BMA’s Board of Science, said: “Vape usage has risen hugely in the last decade, with one in 10 adults now vaping. However, far more worrying, is the increase in young people who vape, with almost six times more 11-17-year-olds vaping now compared with 10 years ago.

“As a doctor, I understand the role vapes can play in helping people to stop smoking - but they have no rightful place in our children and young people’s lives and when it comes to protecting their health, we cannot afford to gamble.“And with two vapes thrown away every second in the UK, the environmental impact of this epidemic is disastrous.”

The BMA wants:
· all vape flavours other than tobacco banned
· disposable vapes banned
· a ban on the use of all imagery, colouring and branding for both the packaging and vape device, similar to current restrictions on cigarettes
· vapes taken off shop shelves and kept behind the counter for sale instead.

In addition, the Oral Health Foundation welcomed the Labour Government's commitment to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, as announced in the King's Speech in July. It had been introduced by the Conservative Government in February.The Bill’s long title is: A Bill to make provision about the supply of tobacco, vapes and other products, including provision prohibiting the sale of tobacco to people born on or after 1 January 2009; and to enable product requirements to be imposed in connection with tobacco, vapes and other products.

The charity believes this legislation represents a big step towards improving the nation's overall and oral health. They applauded the focus on reducing youth vaping, saying this “is equally important, ensuring future generations do not face the dangers of nicotine addiction and devastating loss of life. We urge swift action to pass this bill and protect our oral health.”