A leading respiratory doctor in the UK has expressed concern about the increasing popularity of vaping among teenagers. Dr Mike McKean, the vice-president of policy for the Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health, has warned that without urgent regulation, a generation could end up with long-term addictions and lung damage. He described vaping as an “epidemic” among teenagers, even though it is illegal before the age of 18. If the trend continues, almost all children will vape within five years, he said.
Dr McKean estimated that the prevalence of vaping among teenagers could now be as high as 15%, after NHS figures for 2021 showed that 9% of 11- to 15-year-old children used e-cigarettes, up from 6% in 2018. The figure rises to 18% for 15-year-olds. Meanwhile, 2022 figures for Scotland showed levels at 10% for 15- to 16-year-olds.
“This is a problem the UK should take seriously. Walk past a school at closing time and you’ll see what happens – large numbers of children…
2023-03-18 02:00:07
Post from www.theguardian.com