In a concerning trend, the number of children admitted to hospitals in England due to vaping-related disorders has escalated over the past few years. In 2023, a total of 50 children were admitted, a substantial increase from only six in 2020. Alarmingly, 11 of the children admitted in 2023 were preschoolers aged four or under.
This surge in child vaping is particularly concerning as teenagers now account for a significant proportion of vaping-related hospital admissions. While teenagers made up just six percent of all admissions four years ago, that number has jumped to 14 percent in 2023.
Professor Jonathan Grigg, a leading expert in pediatric respiratory medicine, attributes the rise in child vaping partly to the use of child-friendly flavors in e-cigarettes. He also warns that children who vape are more likely to start smoking in the future.
Sarah MacFadyen, head of policy and public affairs at Asthma + Lung UK, has expressed deep concern about the increasing number of children admitted to hospitals due to vaping. She emphasizes the organization’s stance that it is illegal to sell vapes to individuals under the age of 18. The organization strongly discourages non-smokers, especially children, from starting vaping.
MacFadyen emphasizes the need for the government to take action to prevent the vaping industry from marketing their products towards children. She calls for stricter enforcement of age-of-sale laws and increased resources to deter young people from accessing vapes.
According to MacFadyen, the top priority is to safeguard the health of young people from the risks associated with tobacco use and to prevent them from starting vaping.
So far this year, 20 vaping-related hospital admissions have occurred in England as of January. Three of those admissions involved individuals aged 19 or younger, further highlighting the ongoing issue of youth vaping and its potential implications for their health.
