The pros and cons of vaping

UK government's ban on disposable e-cigarettes suggests a shift in perceptions towards alternative nicotine products

A person is pictured vaping
Experts warn that vaping is not ‘completely risk free’
(Image credit: Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images)

When vapes first entered the UK market in the early 2000s, they were hailed as an effective way for smokers to quit cigarettes. But from 1 June, it will be illegal to buy or sell single-use or disposable vapes in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland is considering adopting similar legislation.

The government says that the colourful packaging, sweet flavours and cheaper price point of disposable vapes compared to rechargeable e-cigarettes makes them attractive to children. According to the charity Action on Smoking and Health, close to a million children aged 11-17 have vaped at least once, and around 230,000 say they do so multiple times per week. More than half said they used disposable vapes.

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