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Guernsey’s Director of Public Health has raised concerns about young people vaping in secondary schools, while arguing that the only acceptable use of vapes is to help people stop smoking.
Dr Nicola Brink chose to speak out after heightened public and political discussion about the use of vapes in recent weeks.
From a public health perspective she says her message is simple: “The only acceptable use of vapes, in my opinion, is as a stop smoking aid. If you currently smoke, then we know it is better to vape. This is because smoking substantially increases the risk of heart disease, strokes, many cancers, dementia and lung disease. It also harms those around the smoker, including children and unborn babies.”
“This equates to 175 people over the three-year period, or approximately 58 per year,” said Dr Brink.
“So, if you smoke it is better to try and quit using a vape. There is a strong evidence base to support the use of vapes in smoking cessation and it is our experience that many smokers find this a useful quitting tool. Swapping from smoking to vaping can therefore be seen as a positive health move.”
Pictured: Some unregulated vapes in the UK contain lead and nickel and could possibly make their way to Guernsey said Dr Brink, who warns that high levels of lead can affect young people’s brain development.
Despite the suggestion that vapes can help people quit smoking, Dr Brink said vaping is not risk free and the long-term effects of vaping are still not fully understood.
“My particular concern is around children and young people. Vaping companies are marketing products using colours, flavours and cheap disposable options and my worry is that these are targeting children. Data from the Guernsey Young People’s Survey 2022 showed a sharp increase in secondary school age students who vape regularly, rising from 2% in 2019 to 10% in 2022.”
HSC has agreed in principle to introduce greater regulations around e-cigarettes and is currently undertaking work to do so.
It comes after advice from the Substance Use Technical Team and the need to regulate e-cigarettes cropping up in the Combined Substance Use Strategy (2021-2026).
HSC expects to publish a policy letter on e-cigarettes by the end of the year.
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