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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Disposable vapes ban: What you need to know as single-use vapes are pulled from shelves
A ban on disposable vapes has come into force in the UK as the government attempts to crack down on youth nicotine addiction as well as the litter the single-use devices create. The crackdown makes it illegal for any retailer – ranging from corner shops to supermarkets – to sell them. The ban follows the soaring use of disposable vapes in schools and a flood of plastic rubbish from the discarding of the devices. 5.6 million adults were vaping in Great Britain in 2024, according to charity Action on Smoking Health (ASH). Here, The Independent looks at the reasons behind the ban and what it means for you: The government is banning the sale of single-use disposable vapes in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. A vape is single-use if it either has a battery that cannot be recharged or is not refillable. To be reusable, a vape must have a rechargeable battery and a refillable container that holds the vaping e-liquid. The government has provided two main reasons for the disposable vape ban. Firstly, to protect the environment. Nearly five million disposable vapes were littered or discarded every week in 2024, according to Material Focus. Most end up in general waste or as litter rather than being recycled. These vapes are hazardous during disposal, with built-in batteries posing a fire risk in bin lorries and recycling centres. They must be dismantled by hand to recycle, and if littered, can leak harmful chemicals into soil and waterways. Secondly, to reduce the number of young people vaping. The introduction of a new generation of disposable vapes in 2021 coincided with a significant increase in youth vaping. The new single-use vapes are relatively cheap, have bright and attractive packaging, are easy to use and are widely promoted. Although the rise in youth vaping has levelled off, disposables continue to be the most popular product among young people who vape, according to ASH. The ban only applies to businesses selling disposable vapes, not to those who use them. However, the Local Government Association urged people to think twice before hoarding disposable vapes, warning that stockpiling them could pose life-threatening risks. There are concerns that some people are stocking up on single-use vapes, with research by online nicotine retailer Haypp finding 82 per cent of disposable vape users are planning to stockpile. The LGA has warned that the lithium batteries contained inside disposable vapes could cause fires and pose a risk to life if not stored correctly. Lithium batteries present a serious risk of fire, as there is the potential for them to enter into thermal runaway. Thermal runaway occurs when a battery reaches up to 600C, releasing toxic gases and creating a fire, according to charity Electrical Safety First. The ban applies to both online and in-store sales across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and all disposable vapes whether or not they contain nicotine. It applies to all businesses and organisations that sell or supply single-use vapes in the UK. This includes: Retailers – such as convenience stores, market stalls, petrol stations, specialist vape shops and supermarkets Manufacturers Wholesalers Importers Healthcare settings and stop smoking services Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes. Rogue traders who continue to sell them risk a fine of £200 in the first instance, followed by an unlimited fine or jail time for repeat offending.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Disposable vapes ban: What you need to know as single-use vapes are pulled from shelves
A ban on disposable vapes has come into force in the UK as the government attempts to crack down on youth nicotine addiction as well as the litter the single-use devices create. The crackdown makes it illegal for any retailer – ranging from corner shops to supermarkets – to sell them. The ban follows the soaring use of disposable vapes in schools and a flood of plastic rubbish from the discarding of the devices. 5.6 million adults were vaping in Great Britain in 2024, according to charity Action on Smoking Health (ASH). Here, The Independent looks at the reasons behind the ban and what it means for you: What vapes are being banned? The government is banning the sale of single-use disposable vapes in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. A vape is single-use if it either has a battery that cannot be recharged or is not refillable. To be reusable, a vape must have a rechargeable battery and a refillable container that holds the vaping e-liquid. Why are they being banned? The government has provided two main reasons for the disposable vape ban. Firstly, to protect the environment. Nearly five million disposable vapes were littered or discarded every week in 2024, according to Material Focus. Most end up in general waste or as litter rather than being recycled. These vapes are hazardous during disposal, with built-in batteries posing a fire risk in bin lorries and recycling centres. They must be dismantled by hand to recycle, and if littered, can leak harmful chemicals into soil and waterways. Secondly, to reduce the number of young people vaping. The introduction of a new generation of disposable vapes in 2021 coincided with a significant increase in youth vaping. The new single-use vapes are relatively cheap, have bright and attractive packaging, are easy to use and are widely promoted. Although the rise in youth vaping has levelled off, disposables continue to be the most popular product among young people who vape, according to ASH. Can I keep using disposable vapes? The ban only applies to businesses selling disposable vapes, not to those who use them. However, the Local Government Association urged people to think twice before hoarding disposable vapes, warning that stockpiling them could pose life-threatening risks. There are concerns that some people are stocking up on single-use vapes, with research by online nicotine retailer Haypp finding 82 per cent of disposable vape users are planning to stockpile. The LGA has warned that the lithium batteries contained inside disposable vapes could cause fires and pose a risk to life if not stored correctly. Lithium batteries present a serious risk of fire, as there is the potential for them to enter into thermal runaway. Thermal runaway occurs when a battery reaches up to 600C, releasing toxic gases and creating a fire, according to charity Electrical Safety First. The ban applies to both online and in-store sales across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and all disposable vapes whether or not they contain nicotine. It applies to all businesses and organisations that sell or supply single-use vapes in the UK. This includes: Retailers – such as convenience stores, market stalls, petrol stations, specialist vape shops and supermarkets Manufacturers Wholesalers Importers Healthcare settings and stop smoking services Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes. Rogue traders who continue to sell them risk a fine of £200 in the first instance, followed by an unlimited fine or jail time for repeat offending.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Disposable vapes ban: What you need to know as changes come into effect nationwide
A ban on disposable vapes will come into force on Sunday as the government attempts to crack down on youth nicotine addiction as well as the litter they create. The crackdown on the devices, also known as single-use vapes, makes it illegal for any retailer – ranging from corner shops to supermarkets – to sell them. The ban follows the soaring use of disposable vapes in schools and a flood of plastic rubbish from the discarding of the devices. 5.6 million adults were vaping in Great Britain in 2024, according to charity Action on Smoking Health (ASH). Here, The Independent looks at the reasons behind the ban and what it means for you: What vapes are being banned? The government is banning the sale of single-use disposable vapes in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. A vape is single-use if it either has a battery that cannot be recharged or is not refillable. To be reusable, a vape must have a rechargeable battery and a refillable container that holds the vaping e-liquid. Why are they being banned? The government has provided two main reasons for the disposable vape ban. Firstly, to protect the environment. Nearly five million disposable vapes were littered or discarded every week in 2024, according to Material Focus. Most end up in general waste or as litter rather than being recycled. These vapes are hazardous during disposal, with built-in batteries posing a fire risk in bin lorries and recycling centres. They must be dismantled by hand to recycle, and if littered, can leak harmful chemicals into soil and waterways. Secondly, to reduce the number of young people vaping. The introduction of a new generation of disposable vapes in 2021 coincided with a significant increase in youth vaping. The new single-use vapes are relatively cheap, have bright and attractive packaging, are easy to use and are widely promoted. Although the rise in youth vaping has levelled off, disposables continue to be the most popular product among young people who vape, according to ASH. Can I keep using disposable vapes? The ban only applies to businesses selling disposable vapes, not to those who use them. However, the Local Government Association urged people to think twice before hoarding disposable vapes, warning that stockpiling them could pose life-threatening risks. There are concerns that some people are stocking up on single-use vapes, with research by online nicotine retailer Haypp finding 82 per cent of disposable vape users are planning to stockpile. The LGA has warned that the lithium batteries contained inside disposable vapes could cause fires and pose a risk to life if not stored correctly. Lithium batteries present a serious risk of fire, as there is the potential for them to enter into thermal runaway. Thermal runaway occurs when a battery reaches up to 600C, releasing toxic gases and creating a fire, according to charity Electrical Safety First. The ban applies to both online and in-store sales across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and all disposable vapes whether or not they contain nicotine. It applies to all businesses and organisations that sell or supply single-use vapes in the UK. This includes: Retailers – such as convenience stores, market stalls, petrol stations, specialist vape shops and supermarkets Manufacturers Wholesalers Importers Healthcare settings and stop smoking services Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes. Rogue traders who continue to sell them risk a fine of £200 in the first instance, followed by an unlimited fine or jail time for repeat offending.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
What does Kent and Sussex think of the disposable vape ban?
Disposable vapes are less harmful than smoking cigarettes and have become a multi-million pound industry in the UK, so why is the government to ban them?The single-use vapes are discarded after one usage, with Brits discarding an estimated five million disposable vapes each is also harming the health of young people, often attracted to the sweet flavours and bright packaging, with about 7% (390,000) of 11 to 17-year-olds in the UK using vapes last of the introduction of the ban on Sunday, BBC South East has been finding out more about the reasons behind the law change and what it means for you. When vapes were first commercially available, they were meant to be used as a way for smokers to ditch of 2024, there were 5.6m adults vaping in Great Britain, according to public health charity Action on Smoking Health. But of those, 8% said they had never tried a cigarette before. What is changing? The ban has two objectives, which are to reduce environmental damage and help cut the number of young people addicted to will be no longer be allowed to sell or supply single-use vapes, either in shops or England, those found to have broken the law will receive a £200 fine and face up to two years in prison for repeat offences. The fines differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern vapes will remain largely available, as the government defines a reusable vape as one which can be refilled with liquid and recharged. A vape would be illegal if it cannot do both. How does vaping affect children? There has been an increase in youth vaping in recent years, with a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds admitting they had tried it, despite it being illegal to sell them to people under 18, according to Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Jack Jacobs, a GP in Hamstreet, Kent, said vaping was a particular problem for young and developing lungs."The health concerns are all very documented now - it can cause damage to lungs and high doses of nicotine can potentially lead to heart arrhythmia," he said."I think the ban sends a message about the dangers and will help to limit the variety available." Earlier this year, the Welsh government's health minister, Sarah Murphy, said children were starting secondary school already addicted to Murphy said teachers told her that children were leaving lessons "two or three times" to vape, and were struggling to sit through their mock Reed, the UK government's environment secretary, has promised that "rogue traders" who continue to sell disposable vapes to children would face "serious penalties"."Single-use vapes get kids hooked on nicotine and blight our high streets, and we won't stand for this any longer," he added. What about the environment? It is nearly impossible for the plastic used in disposable vapes to completely break the plastic breaks into tiny microplastics, which can enter the food chain and contaminate the retailers that sell vapes must legally take them back once they are empty. But with an average of eight disposed of each second, most end up in landfill. "For the small number of single-use vapes which are sent for recycling, it's a difficult job because they contain many chemical components and are not designed to be taken apart," a government spokesperson said."They usually have to be disassembled by hand – a slow and tricky process which struggles to match the avalanche of vapes that are produced and discarded."In 2022, the Material Focus group found that more than 40 tonnes of lithium in single-use vapes were thrown out – the same amount needed to power 5,000 electric were also 1,200 bin lorry fires in 2023 caused by vapes being incorrectly disposed of. Here's what you had to say A public consultation in February last year found that 69% of people were in favour of the ban – including many who work in the vape employee at a vape shop in Hove, East Sussex, who asked to remain anonymous, told the BBC he and his colleagues were in favour of the ban."You're disposing of a whole battery every time, which is just no good for anyone, so we're all really happy for it," he said."We always try to tell people how much money they would be saving [with a reusable vape] and you always get more control with the nicotine, whereas all the disposables are just the strongest you can get."But some doubted the ban will work as the government hoped, instead pushing the vape trade "underground".Hove resident Brendan Barclay said: "It probably won't be effective. There's so many manufacturers out there that people will just get it by any means necessary, it's the same with drugs."It's just more work for the police to be honest."And some disagree with the ban altogether, with one man calling it "another lack of freedom".
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health Groups call on Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel to ban vape flavours within her first 100 days.
OTTAWA, ON, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Deeply concerned with the impact of the previous government's permissive approach to nicotine vaping products, tobacco control organizations are calling on the new government to quickly align controls on this market with those used for tobacco. As part of these important reforms, they are asking for regulations to ban flavours in vaping products to be finalized within the Health Minister's first 100 days in office. Restricting flavours in vaping products was a commitment made by the Liberal Party in the recent federal election. "Minister Michel has inherited the youth vaping crisis, and her intervention is urgently needed to clean up the mess her predecessors left behind," said Les Hagen, Executive Director of Action on Smoking & Health. "This will require her to stand up to the tobacco industry and its front groups, and to protect youth from their attempts to undermine health policies." "The youth vaping crisis has gone on far too long," he added. "The past government's decision to liberalize the sale of vaping products has negatively impacted one-half of Canadian youth without producing any measurable benefit in overall smoking cessation among adults." Vaping products became legal for sale and promotion in Canada in May 2018, and were exempted from the marketing restrictions that have been proven to help protect young people from starting to use tobacco products. These measures include large graphic health warnings, plain and standardized products and packaging, bans on flavourings and sweeteners, and controls on accessibility including a ban on interprovincial sales. "Over the past seven years, parents, teachers and health professionals have struggled to protect kids from the predatory commercial activities which followed," said Flory Doucas, co-director of the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control. "They have waited for meaningful federal government action while hundreds of thousands of children were being recruited to nicotine addiction by an industry sugar-coating a harmful drug with exotic flavours and playful devices." Health Canada's 2023 Canadian Substance Use Survey found that over one million Canadian teenagers aged 15-19 (48%) had tried vaping products, 681,000 (31%) had used them in the past month and that 400,600 (17%) were vaping on a daily basis. "We cannot afford for this government to sit on its hands or take the same laissez-faire approach to the tobacco and nicotine industry as its predecessor," said Cynthia Callard, Executive Director of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada. "The need for stronger regulations has been recognized by government for years, as the cost of its inaction continues to climb." Health Canada proposed several measures to address the youth vaping crisis in the spring of 2019. Only one of these measures has been approved (limiting nicotine concentration), despite ongoing appeals by health organizations and federal and provincial Medical Officers of Health. Four years after draft regulations to restrict flavourings were published, they have still not been finalized despite Ministerial promises to do so. "The legalization of vaping products has not produced a net public health benefit in Canada," said Ms. Callard. "Since 2018 there has been no increase in quit attempts or in successful quitting among smokers, and the number of former smokers has actually dropped. Smoking rates are going down at a slower rate than in years prior to the legalization of nicotine vaping products." Opening the vaping market allowed corporate interests to halt the reduction in nicotine addiction. The widespread use of nicotine products among young people means there are as many or more nicotine users in Canada as there were before these products were legalized. Only a minority of Canadian vapers (28%) are former smokers. "The previous government's preference for a poorly regulated vaping market has facilitated the tobacco industry pivoting to other harmful products and launching a new epidemic of nicotine addiction," said Mr. Hagen. Health Canada's Canadian Substance Use Survey found that one in every three young Canadians who had tried vaping even once were using these products on a daily basis. Independent studies of nicotine use among youth report that young vapers find themselves more addicted than do young cigarette smokers. Many studies report that youth who use vaping products are much more likely to start using tobacco products. In addition to being highly addictive, vaping products present significant risks for cardiovascular disease, lung injury and exposure to toxins, especially given some of the additives used to flavour liquids. "We are not calling for a ban on vaping products," said Flory Doucas. "We are calling for the use of proven regulatory controls to prevent industry from enticing young people to experiment with and become addicted to nicotine." "At the current rate of initiation, the nicotine industry is set to recruit more than 15,000 school-aged children to vaping during Minister Michel's first 100 days in office. She is the Canadian with the greatest power and responsibility to bring that number down before the start of the school year this September." See this backgrounder presenting the latest data on youth vaping See this compilation of vaping products and promotions SOURCE Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
