A recent survey suggests that a significant number of minors who vape are obtaining e-cigarettes through illicit online channels. The survey, conducted among 2,000 adults and 500 youths aged 15 to 17, highlights a concerning trend in adolescent access to vaping devices. This comes in the wake of alarming research presented at a major heart conference indicating a potential one-third increase in stroke risk associated with vaping. A prominent cardiologist has raised concerns about the detrimental impact on young individuals amid what is being referred to as a “vaping epidemic.”
The latest polling by technology company IKE Tech reveals that 79% of respondents believe underage individuals are purchasing vapes online, while 90% think these products are often shared among friends and siblings. A majority of respondents expressed doubts about the effectiveness of current age verification procedures in retail stores.
Atul Sodha, an experienced independent retailer, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to age verification to comply with legal requirements and support government initiatives for a smoke-free environment. He proposed a multi-layered verification system involving manufacturer technology, vigilant retailers, and age verification at the point of sale to prevent youth access and address challenges like anti-social behavior and staff abuse during transactions.
Recent research from the University of California, as reported by The Mirror, has linked vaping to increased risks of stroke, cardiovascular disease, asthma, COPD, and oral health issues. However, the charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) underscores that smoking remains significantly more harmful than vaping and reports that millions of individuals in the UK have successfully quit smoking using e-cigarettes.
While the NHS continues to endorse e-cigarettes as a cessation aid, concerns are mounting over non-smoking youth adopting vaping. A review of over 200 studies conducted by University College London earlier this year revealed a notable increase in vaping rates among adults and young adults.
Retailers are prohibited by law from selling nicotine-containing vaping products to individuals under 18, and adults are forbidden from purchasing these items for minors. IKE Tech, the firm behind the recent polling, specializes in identity verification technology. The survey findings indicate that a large percentage of vape purchases occur in stores with minimal age verification measures.
John Patterson, president of IKE Tech, advocates for innovative, technology-driven solutions to enhance compliance beyond traditional enforcement methods. In a rapidly evolving landscape, responsible practices and robust age verification mechanisms are essential to safeguarding youth and promoting legal compliance in the vaping industry.
