Most minors who use e-cigarettes are obtaining them through illicit online channels, according to concerning survey results. A recent study involving 2,000 adults and 500 teenagers aged 15 to 17 delved into the increasing trend of adolescents accessing vaping devices. This follows a report by the Mirror on research presented at a major European cardiology conference, indicating a potential 33% increase in stroke risk associated with vaping. A prominent heart specialist cautioned about the possible long-term consequences for young individuals amid what is being described as a “vaping epidemic.”
Findings from a new survey conducted by technology company IKE Tech revealed that 79% of participants believe underage individuals are purchasing vapes online. Additionally, 90% of respondents stated that vapes are frequently obtained through friends or siblings. Concerns were raised by 60% of the surveyed individuals regarding the ease of bypassing current age verification protocols in retail stores.
Atul Sodha, an experienced independent retailer, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive age verification system to align with legal requirements and support government initiatives for a smoke-free environment. He proposed a multi-layered approach involving technology from manufacturers, vigilant retailers, and age verification at the point of sale to combat youth vaping and address challenges like anti-social behavior and staff abuse during sales transactions.
Recent data from the University of California, as reported by the Mirror, highlighted the increased risks associated with vaping, including a 32% higher risk of stroke, a 24% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, a 24% higher risk of asthma, a 46% higher risk of COPD, and a 47% higher risk of oral diseases. Comparatively, smoking was found to pose even greater risks, such as a 64% higher risk of stroke, doubled cardiovascular disease risk, a 56% higher risk of asthma, a three-fold increase in COPD risk, and a 69% increase in oral disease risk, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
ASH, a leading smoking cessation charity, underscored the lower health risks associated with vaping compared to smoking, with an estimated two million Britons having successfully quit smoking by using e-cigarettes. While the NHS continues to endorse e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid, concerns are growing over non-smoking youths taking up vaping.
A review of over 200 studies earlier this year by University College London revealed an uptick in vaping rates among adults from 8.9% to 13.5%, and among young adults from 17% to 26.5% between January 2022 and January 2024. It is illegal for retailers to sell nicotine-containing vaping products to minors, and adults are prohibited from purchasing them for underage individuals.
IKE Tech, the organization behind the recent survey, specializes in identity verification technology. A significant portion of respondents (74%) admitted to buying vapes in stores with minimal or absent age verification processes.
John Patterson, the president of IKE Tech, emphasized the need for responsible, technology-driven solutions beyond traditional enforcement measures in addressing the issue at hand.