Most teenagers who use e-cigarettes are obtaining them from the online black market, according to recent surveys. The research, which involved 2,000 adults and 500 youths aged 15 to 17, examined the increasing trend of adolescents accessing these devices. This comes after concerns raised by a study presented at a major heart conference in Europe, indicating a potential 32% increase in stroke risk associated with vaping. A prominent cardiologist highlighted the risks of irreversible harm to young people amidst what he described as a “vaping epidemic.”
A recent poll conducted by technology firm IKE Tech revealed that 79% of participants believe underage individuals are purchasing vapes online. Additionally, the survey found that 90% of respondents think that vapes are frequently shared among friends and siblings. Six out of ten participants expressed concerns about the ease of bypassing current age verification methods in retail stores.
Atul Sodha, an experienced independent retailer, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to age verification to comply with legal regulations and support the government’s smoke-free goals. He suggested implementing a triple-lock system involving manufacturer technology, vigilant retailers, and age verification at the point of use to prevent youth access and address challenges like anti-social behavior during sales.
Recent findings from the University of California, as reported by The Mirror, showed that vaping is linked to a 32% increased risk of stroke, a 24% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, a 24% increase in asthma risk, a 46% rise in COPD risk, and a 47% higher risk of oral diseases. In comparison, smoking was associated with a 64% higher stroke risk, a doubled cardiovascular disease risk, a 56% increase in asthma risk, a three-fold rise in COPD risk, and a 69% higher risk of oral diseases, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) emphasized that smoking poses significantly greater health risks than vaping. The organization estimated that around two million individuals in the UK have successfully quit smoking by using e-cigarettes. Although the NHS continues to promote e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid, concerns are growing regarding non-smoking young people taking up vaping.
A review of over 200 studies conducted by University College London earlier this year revealed an increase in vaping rates among adults from 8.9% to 13.5% between January 2022 and January 2024, with rates among young adults rising from 17% to 26.5%. Selling nicotine-containing vaping products to individuals under 18 is illegal, and adults are prohibited from purchasing them for minors.
IKE Tech, the company behind the recent survey, specializes in identity verification technology. The survey indicated that 74% of respondents reported buying vapes in stores with minimal or absent age verification checks. John Patterson, the president of IKE Tech, emphasized the need for responsible, technology-driven solutions that go beyond traditional enforcement methods to address this issue.