During recess I had a fascinating meeting with a local company supplying "vape" detectors, for schools, train operating companies, airlines etc. So it was interesting to see the announcement from the DHSC this week about the new measures on smoking cessation and tackling young people vaping. As the target date of 2030 for the UK to be smokefree gets closer it is crucial to have this sort of action to help people stop smoking.
There is no doubt in my mind that vaping can provide a route out of smoking cigarettes but at the same time we need to be vigilant about the disposable vapes, marketed in flavours and colours that are appealing to children. I have spoken to local headteachers about this, some of whom have introduced vape detectors in their schools, and we do need to be vigilant about vaping potentially providing a route into smoking rather than out.
My colleague Dr Caroline Johnson has also raised the issue of the environmental impact of disposable vapes, which are effectively the type of single use plastic we are all trying to reduce. She introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill on this a short while ago, and there have been some alarming campaigns highlighting the prevelance of discarded vape sticks in litter picked up in towns and cities.
