What is vaping?
E-cigarettes - also known as vapes, are battery-powered devices that simulate the sensation of smoking. These devices heat a liquid to generate an aerosol, or a ‘vapour’, which the user inhales. The liquids typically contain flavourings, additives, and nicotine. E-cigarettes consist of a mouthpiece, battery and cartridge or tank containing e-liquid solution.
An e-cigarette user is often referred to as a ‘vaper’ with the action referred to as ‘vaping’.
None of the nicotine-containing e-cigarette products currently on the market in Britain have been licensed as medicines. They are regulated as consumer products under the UK Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 which transposes the EU Tobacco Products Directive into UK law. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, which are used to help smokers quit, are licensed medicines. Nicotine itself is relatively safe, though addictive.
E-cigarettes and vaping legislation
Vaping is not risk free, and NICE recommends that vaping should be discouraged in children and young people who have never smoked. It is much less harmful than smoking and is an effective quitting aid for adult smokers.
Smoking is a leading cause of disease, disability and premature death.
It is illegal to sell e-cigarettes and vaping products containing nicotine, or tobacco, to under-18s. Enforcement of laws on underage sales, sales of illegal products, and point of sale advertising are the responsibility of trading standards and complaints should be made through the Citizens Advice online portal.
The proportion of young people who vape has increased, media reports that youth vaping risks becoming a potential ‘public health catastrophe’ leading to a ‘generation hooked on nicotine’ are not substantiated by the evidence.
National guidance to schools vaping
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) have created a number of supporting documents regarding growing concerns around youth vaping. It is primarily for public health officials and trading standards officers, but also sets out important information for councillors, schools, parents and retailers.
- ASH guidance on developing school policies on vaping (PDF, 61KB)
- References for ASH brief for local authorities on youth vaping (PDF, 163KB)
- ASH - Use of e-cigarettes among young people in Great Britain
- ASH - Addressing common myths about vaping (PDF, 7.2MB)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance
NICE - Smoking prevention in schools (PDF, 234KB)
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
A new plan creating a 'smokefree generation'
West Midlands position statement on vaping
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