Why and how should children be protected from the deluge of vaping related media and marketing overexposure?

Abstract

E-cigarettes are products delivering nicotineviainhalation and are devised to mimic tobacco smoking. While they were initially introduced as a device putatively to aid with smoking cessation, their use is now far broader than that. Use by children is significantly increasing. There is growing evidence of the potential harms of vaping. E-liquids used for e-cigarettes contain a wide range of harmful substances, and the clinical consequences of this are now being increasingly demonstrated, such as the rise in cases of e-cigarette- or vaping-associated lung injury. In addition, early use may result in long-term nicotine addiction. Vaping companies utilise marketing methods that distinctly target young people, and weak legislation in the UK allows them free rein to expose children to vaping.In this review we demonstrate why children must be protected from vaping. We must have stringent legislation to prevent easy access to e-cigarettes, including banning the convenience and affordability disposable vapes provide, and prevent marketing that does not warn about the potential health effects. The Australia approach of prescription or pharmacy only access for smoking cessation should be considered to limit exposure of children and minimise use by nonsmokers.

Oxidative stress and inflammation: elucidating mechanisms of smoking-attributable pathology for therapeutic targeting

“…E-cigarette vapor contains particulates, solvents, and flavorings that may negatively impact the delicate respiratory epithelium, especially during development. Use of e-cigarettes has been associated with increased cough, asthma exacerbations, and fibrosis markers in some studies (Addissouky et al 2023a;Song et al 2023;White et al 2023). E-cigarette vapor also induces immune and inflammatory responses in lung epithelial cells distinct from cigarette smoke.…”

Diagnosing and managing pleural disease

“…Our paediatric content in this issue looks at vaping and at asthma biomarkers. W hite et al [ 8 ] look at the current evidence about vaping in children, and draw particular attention to how the legislative vacuum around vaping in many countries leaves children and adolescents exposed to being targeted by the nicotine industry. Meanwhile, F raser et al [ 9 ] give an overview of what we know about using fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurement to help diagnose and manage asthma in paediatric populations.…”