Alarming Increase in Hospitalizations of Children Due to E-Cigarettes

According to a report from the UK media outlet "Wales Online" on April 22, the latest data released by the UK National Health Service shows a shocking increase in the proportion of boys and girls under the age of five requiring hospitalization due to severe illnesses caused by the use of e-cigarettes, with a 733% increase compared to previous years. The number of visits by teenagers under the age of 20 has increased by more than seven times in the past four years.

In 2020, no children required medical treatment due to using e-cigarettes, but only six adolescents needed medical assistance. According to data from the National Health Service in England, since 2020, there has been a 276% increase in the number of males and females seeking medical care for illnesses caused by e-cigarettes.

According to this statistics, in 2020, children accounted for only 6% of total hospital visits, but shockingly, last year, 14% of the 365 hospitalizations related to e-cigarettes were cases of teenagers aged 19 and under. Between 2020 and 2024, the total number of children admitted to hospital for e-cigarette-related illnesses increased by 733%.

Jonathan Grigg, a pediatric respiratory medicine professor at Queen Mary University of London, believes that the increased use of e-cigarettes among children is due to the appealing flavors available and the government's allowance for the free sale of e-cigarettes in the market. In a 2023 academic paper, he warned that children using e-cigarettes are "more likely to start using tobacco.

He said, "The increase in hospital admissions was entirely predictable and is the result of the government allowing e-cigarettes to be sold for free - these e-cigarette flavors are highly attractive to children and young people, especially given the negative health effects of e-cigarettes.

Sarah MacFadyen, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the British Asthma and Lung Association, expressed deep concern over these figures. "The British Asthma and Lung Association has emphasized our stance: the sale of e-cigarettes to children under 18 has already been banned, and we strongly oppose non-smokers, especially children, starting to use e-cigarettes. The government should take action to prevent the e-cigarette industry from selling products to children."

Data obtained by news agency SWNS shows that hospital admissions for individuals aged 20 and under have increased since 2024. Among them, there are more female patients than male patients. In 2020, female patients accounted for 46%, but this number increased to 57% last year.