Statement: Disposable vaping ban could affect some of the most vulnerable content
Yorkshire Cancer Research welcomes measures that will help prevent young people who do not smoke from accessing vaping products. It is clear that a ban of disposable vaping products is likely to have some impact. However, we are concerned that a complete ban on single-use vapes could make it harder for adults from specific, vulnerable groups to quit smoking.
Vaping is an effective stop smoking tool that successfully helps thousands of adults who smoke reduce their risk of cancer every year. Unfortunately, disposable vaping products have proven particularly appealing to young people. This is exacerbated by a lack of regulation and a lack of enforcement of the law when it comes to their sale. Tighter marketing controls of all vaping products and a crackdown on illegal sales are necessary to successfully curb youth vaping. We also fully support action to reduce the environmental impact of single use plastics.
However, disposable vapes are particularly useful for some groups of people, such as those on no or little incomes who may find the initial expense of a starter kit too great. They may not be able to keep one charged if they do not have reliable and consistent accommodation. Within mental health and prison settings, disposable and tamperproof devices may also help to avoid substance or device misuse.
The latest data shows that in Yorkshire, smoking rates have decreased at a faster rate than in other regions. Stop smoking services in Yorkshire are performing well, supported by additional programmes funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research. Meanwhile, rates of vaping are also continuing to increase, indicating a strong desire among people who smoke to move to a less harmful, smoke-free alternative. It’s vital that we do not see a drop in smoking rates reversed. Any ban for disposable vapes should have some exceptions. We are calling on the government to ensure disposable vapes are still available for stop smoking services, and mental health and prison services.
Quitting smoking is the single most significant action a person can take for their future health. We urge the government to ensure that people from our most vulnerable communities are not forgotten.
Dr Stuart Griffiths
Director of Research
Press contact
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