Rising Concerns Over E-cigarette Marketing Targeting Youth Health

Dec.20.2024
Rising Concerns Over E-cigarette Marketing Targeting Youth Health
NHS chief criticizes e-cigarette companies for promoting holiday flavors to attract youth, leading to increased health issues.

According to a report by the Express on December 20th, the Medical Director of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, Stephen Powis, criticized e-cigarette companies for launching "Christmas promotions and holiday flavors" to attract teenagers, leading to an increasing number of young people suffering serious health effects.


According to preliminary data from the UK National Health Service (NHS), as of the end of October, a total of 280 people have been hospitalized due to e-cigarette-related illnesses in the past seven months, including 31 individuals aged 19 and younger. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, 51 children and teenagers were hospitalized for similar issues, compared to just 11 individuals in the 2021-22 fiscal year. Overall, as of March, a total of 317 people across all age groups have required hospital treatment for e-cigarette-related issues.


A recent NHS report revealed that by 2023, one quarter of students aged 11 to 15 have tried e-cigarettes, with 9% being regular users. Another survey found that 72% of teenagers aged 11 to 17 reported seeing e-cigarette promotions, with 55% seeing them in stores and 29% online.


The spokesperson stated that while e-cigarettes can be helpful for adults trying to quit smoking, they should not be used by minors or children. He urged online retailers to ensure proper verification measures, including age verification, to prevent young people from purchasing e-cigarettes with holiday flavors during the festive season.


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