E-Cigarettes and Smoking Regulations

E-Cigarettes and Vaping

• E-cigarettes are popular among adults who wish to reduce or stop smoking cigarettes altogether.
• Vaping has grown in popularity since the 2006 ban on smoking in indoor spaces in Scotland, which aimed to prevent second-hand smoke that killed almost 900 people annually.

E-Cigarette Composition and Function

• E-cigarettes are powered by batteries and contain cartridges with three main substances: nicotine, propylene glycol, and flavourings.
• When the liquid in the cartridge is heated, it creates a vapour, hence the term 'vaping'.

Regulations and Side Effects

• In 2016, the UK government passed strict laws regulating the ingredients in e-cigarette cartridges to prevent dangerous chemicals.
• Nicotine, a stimulant drug, can be highly addictive and remains in the body for up to three days.
• Some people experience headaches, dizziness, and nausea after using e-cigarettes, and the lungs can also become irritated.

Age Restrictions and Risks

• E-cigarettes are intended for those aged 18 and over because nicotine can slow brain development in children and teenagers, affecting learning, memory, and concentration.
• Young people who vape are more likely to try smoking cigarettes and are at an increased risk of trying other drugs.

Benefits and Effectiveness

• E-cigarettes do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most harmful elements found in cigarettes.
• Vaping has been shown to be an effective way for smokers to give up cigarettes and stop smoking entirely.