{"id":43270,"date":"2024-08-28T06:14:25","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T06:14:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/protect-children-from-vapes-epidemic-doctors-urge-government\/"},"modified":"2024-08-28T06:14:25","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T06:14:25","slug":"protect-children-from-vapes-epidemic-doctors-urge-government","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/?p=43270","title":{"rendered":"Protect children from vapes epidemic, doctors urge government"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Although it was already illegal to sell any vape to anyone under 18, Prof David Strain, who chairs the BMA\u2019s Board of Science, said children still needed more protection. <\/p>\n

“There is no denying we are living in a vaping epidemic,” he said.<\/p>\n

“Vape usage has risen hugely in the last decade, with one in 10 adults now vaping.<\/p>\n

\u200b”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.<\/p>\n

\u200b”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\u2019s lives and when it comes to protecting their health, we cannot afford to gamble.”<\/p>\n

Prof Strain told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme vapes were designed to help people quit smoking. <\/p>\n

“Well over half the adults using vapes are ex-smokers – they\u2019ve successfully used the vape to quit,” he said. But he added that “fancy” packaging and flavours were marketed at young people.<\/p>\n

The BMA wants:<\/p>\n

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