The public health message that vaping is “95% safer” than traditional cigarettes may have had unintended consequences, leading some children to take up the habit, warns a leading health expert. Dr. Mike McKean, who specializes in treating children with lung conditions and holds a vice-presidential position at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, expressed concerns over the 2015 messaging.
He believes it should have emphasized that vaping is intended solely for adults who are trying to quit smoking. In a recent interview with the BBC, Dr. McKean stated that while vaping might not be causing widespread severe illness among children, it’s not risk-free. He criticized the “95% safer” message, suggesting it led to confusion and might have inadvertently encouraged children to start vaping.
“There are many young individuals who started vaping without ever intending to smoke, and it’s alarming that this has been allowed,” he remarked. Prof. Ann McNeil, a co-author of the 2015 report that popularized the “95% safer” claim, clarified that the intention was never to label e-cigarettes as entirely safe but to highlight the significant difference in harm compared to traditional cigarettes. She reiterated that while vaping is less harmful than smoking, it’s not suitable for children.
Current data indicates a rise in vaping among the youth. A 2022 survey by the Office for National Statistics revealed that over 10% of individuals aged 16-24 reported using vapes either daily or occasionally. Furthermore, while e-cigarettes don’t have the same harmful toxins as traditional cigarettes, they do contain addictive nicotine. Some teenagers have admitted to being addicted.
The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, expressed concerns over the marketing strategies of vape products, which seem to target children. He termed it “ridiculous” that such products, meant to assist adults in quitting smoking, are appealing to the younger generation. In light of these concerns, measures to curb youth vaping are anticipated soon in England, with the Scottish and Welsh governments already advocating for a ban on disposable vapes.
While the debate on vaping’s safety continues, other health concerns have emerged. The vaping industry’s promotion of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative has been under scrutiny, with some experts warning about the potential long-term health risks. The lack of comprehensive research on vaping’s long-term effects, especially concerning flavorings and other additives, has raised alarms.
Moreover, the rise in youth vaping has led to concerns about nicotine addiction among teenagers. The addictive nature of nicotine, even in the absence of harmful tobacco toxins, poses a significant risk. Some reports suggest that teenagers who start vaping are more likely to transition to traditional cigarettes later in life, further complicating the public health landscape.
In addition to nicotine addiction, there have been reports of harmful substances found in illegal or counterfeit vaping products. Recent tests on illegal vapes confiscated from a school revealed unsafe amounts of metals that could be inhaled into children’s lungs. Such findings underscore the importance of regulating the vaping industry and ensuring product safety.
Different countries have adopted varying approaches to vaping. In Australia, for instance, vapes are only available on prescription, reflecting a more cautious stance. The UK, on the other hand, has seen a decline in smoking rates among adults and children, both before and after the introduction of vapes. This suggests that while vaping can be a useful tool in helping smokers quit, its promotion and accessibility need to be carefully managed to prevent unintended consequences.
The vaping debate underscores the complexities of public health messaging and the challenges of introducing new products into the market. While vaping may offer a safer alternative for adult smokers, its promotion and accessibility to the youth need to be carefully managed. As more research emerges, it will be crucial for policymakers, health experts, and the industry to work collaboratively to ensure the safety and well-being of all users.
News reference
Watkinson, H. P. and L. (2023). Vapes “95% safer” than cigarettes messaging backfired. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/health-66852503
