Wednesday 31 May 2023
With issues around vaping making the news locally and, in the UK, Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health has documented her views on vaping from a Public Health perspective:
'My message on vaping 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.
In Guernsey and Alderney, 10% of all deaths in individuals aged 35 and over registered during 2019-2021, were caused by smoking. This equates to 175 people over the three-year period, or approximately 58 per year. 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.
But people must remember that vaping is not risk-free. We do not know the long-term risks of vaping and whilst some vapes are nicotine free, many do contain nicotine which is addictive. It is therefore very important that non-smokers should be encouraged not to start vaping.
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.
A further concern is that vapes that are illegal in the UK may contain substances such as lead and nickel. These may then find their way to the Bailiwick. High levels of inhaled lead damages children's central nervous system and brain development.
The message from Public Health is clear - if you don't smoke don't vape. Do not start vaping if you are a non-smoker.'
The need for greater control over e-cigarettes was recognised in the Combined Substance Use Strategy (2021 - 2026), which makes reference to the need to regulate e-cigarettes as a 'Priority Area of Focus' for 2021-2026. The implementation of this strategy is overseen by a multidisciplinary Substance Use Technical Team. They have recommended the regulation of e-cigarettes, including a minimum safety standard for all products and the prohibition of sales to under 18's, together with a consideration of banning the advertising or promotion of e-cigarettes. The Committee forHealth & Social Care considered information from the Substance Use Technical Team and agreed with the need to move towards the regulation and control of e-cigarettes. To achieve this the Committee has agreed, in principle, that it would wish to move towards greater regulation through legislation.
This work is at an early stage and requires further discussion and engagement. However, the Committee is keen to progress this work as quickly as possible, while of course being mindful of resource constraints and other pressures and so they aim to publish a policy letter before the end of this year.
The Strategy is available on the States of Guernsey website - Combined Substance Use Strategy for Guernsey and Alderney 2021- 2026 - Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco
