The U.K. is taking steps to ban disposable vapes in an effort to protect children’s health, responding to the rising use among teenagers.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Monday the plan to ban disposable vapes to protect children’s health.
Even though selling any vape to individuals under 18 is already prohibited, the government believes that the disposable nature, diverse flavors, and distinctive appearance of recently introduced products in the U.K. market are significant factors contributing to the alarming increase in youth vaping.
There has been a threefold increase in the number of children using vapes over the past three years, according to recent data shared by the U.K. government. Among younger children, the trend is also on the rise, with 9% of 11 to 15-year-olds currently using vapes.