Information for parents and carers

Data collected for ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) shows an increase in 11 to 17-year-olds experimenting with vaping: from 7.7% in 2022 to 11.6% in 2023. 

What is vaping?

Vapes contain a liquid (vape juice/e-liquid) that is heated by a battery and evaporates, creating a chemical vapour which the user inhales. They can be disposable (once the liquid or battery runs out, the vape is thrown away) or rechargeable (the user replaces the liquid and recharges the battery on demand). Most vape liquids contain nicotine and other chemicals.

What are the risks?

• Nicotine addiction - Since they were initially developed to help people stop smoking, the vast majority of vape liquids contain nicotine. Not only is this a highly addictive stimulant, but it can also have detrimental effects on brain development in under 25s. Nicotine can decrease the ability to pay attention, weaken impulse control, affect mood and increase the likelihood of substance addiction as an adult.
• Potential toxicity - Many vapes have been found to contain 'heavy' metals such as lead, tin, nickel and, in some cases, mercury - all of which are toxic. These metals often take the form of tiny shards inside a device's liquid tank, which are then inhaled into the body. Some media reports have suggested these metals are particularly prevalent in illegally imported vapes which don't comply with UK regulations.
• Unclear long-term consequences - The liquids in vapes also contain solvents, which can create carcinogens at the point of evaporation. Vapes were only introduced into the UK in 2005 - and because of the relatively short timeframe involved, there is insufficient medical evidence to assess the long-term harms that regular inhalation of these chemical fluids might have on the human body.
• Environmental effects - In the UK alone, around 1.3 million disposable vapes go to landfill every week. Due to such significant numbers of these products not being recycled, their components - a lithium battery and a chemical liquid - pose a toxic risk to the environment, the ecosystem and wildlife. Vapes are also predominantly made of plastic and metal - materials that do not naturally decompose.
• Lack of awareness - A proportion of young people tend to view vapes as harmless, mainly because of the products' appearance and perception that "vaping is cool" and on trend. In many instances, young people don't fully appreciate the concept of addiction and aren't adequately aware of the risk of becoming hooked on nicotine before trying a vape.
• Wider health concerns - Studies are already showing a link between vaping and oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. This is because vaping reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth, which increases bacteria - resulting in bad breath and a build up of plaque. There are also concerns that, in some users, vaping could lead to the development of asthma.
• Unregulated vaping products - The number of retailers willing to sell vapes to under 18s is a worry, as the chance of these products being unregulated is high. A related concern is that the mechanisms inside unregulated products are unlikely to have been tested and safety checked - presenting a possible fire risk if the liquid and battery come into contact.
• Scarce information - The lack of information about the ingredients and potentially harmful chemicals in a vape is troubling. Some vape fluids (unregulated in the UK) contain traces of nuts, which can cause an allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock. To date, medical warnings aren't required on vape packaging - with only medical disclaimers being found on the websites of the various brands.
• Vague ingredients list - Early research has suggested that the chemicals used to produce some strawberry and banana flavour e-liquids can kill cells in the blood vessels and heart. These ingredients aren't identified on the packaging, instead falling under the umbrella term 'natural and artificial flavourings'.