Children rushed to hospital over emergencies caused by vaping
Children as young as four years old have reportedly been hospitalized after experiencing medical emergencies related to vaping.
New figures reveal 25 hospital admissions involving young children and teenagers were recorded in the past three years, amid growing concerns about the popularity of e-cigarettes among young people.
Freedom of Information data shows up to 138 children and young people were treated by doctors for vaping during the same period.
The total number of vaping-related admissions across all age groups reached 1,074, although NHS officials said this figure may include repeated hospital visits by the same patients.
Health experts warn that e-cigarettes can trigger serious complications such as lung damage, pneumonia and nicotine poisoning.
While heavy nicotine exposure can lead to dizziness, vomiting and breathing difficulties, some applications also include drug-tainted e-cigarettes.
One of the worrying cases involved 13-year-old twin sisters Scarlett and Olivia Bywood, who collapsed after using an e-cigarette in a park, unaware that the cigarette was laced.
Their mother Kay Fores, 37, from Hull, told The Sun: “If they hadn’t been found they would have been dead.”
The figures come despite laws banning those under 18 from purchasing e-cigarettes.
Surveys show that about seven percent of teens use these devices regularly; That’s potentially almost a million underage vapers across Britain.
Many are believed to be attracted to sweet and fruity tastes; Some of these are banned or illegally sold on the black market.
Governments have tried to address the problem through stricter rules, including restrictions on disposable e-cigarettes and new flavors marketed to younger users.
However, concerns remain about the widespread circulation of illicit products.
Vaping-related hospital admissions fell overall, falling from 431 in 2022 to 299 in the year ending this March.
The NHS has urged caution when interpreting youngest age data, stating that recording errors may account for some admissions involving very young children.
