The UK government has announced plans to ban disposable e-cigarettes as part of a wider anti-smoking initiative. Disposable e-cigarettes, known for their fruity flavors, have become increasingly popular among young people, raising concerns among health authorities, reported Al-Jarida Daily.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed worry about the growing trend of e-cigarette smoking among young people and emphasized the need for decisive action. Official figures show that the percentage of 11 to 17-year-olds using single-use e-cigarettes has risen ninefold in just two years. T
he government believes that the consumption of disposable e-cigarettes plays a significant role in this alarming increase and points to the unknown long-term effects of vaping. Health Minister Victoria Atkins highlighted the government’s intention to prevent children from being drawn into nicotine addiction, which is often a gateway through e-cigarette smoking. The ban on disposable e-cigarettes will be implemented from the start of next year.
In addition to this ban, the UK government plans to reduce the variety of flavors allowed for regular e-cigarettes, make their packaging less appealing, and regulate how these products are displayed in stores to minimize their visibility to young consumers.
According to the government, smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the UK, accounting for almost a quarter of cancer-related deaths. Prime Minister Sunak also announced his ambition for the country to gradually become tobacco-free by expanding the ban on cigarette sales. Currently, the legal age for purchasing cigarettes in the UK is 18, but the government intends to raise this age by one year annually.
