High levels of heavy metals found in illegal vapes confiscated from school children
This week the BBC reported on the results of laboratory tests conducted on vapes confiscated from a school in Kidderminster. The results showed shockingly high levels of heavy metals in the vape liquids including lead that can affect central nervous system and brain development in children. High levels of carbonyls, chemicals found in cigarette smoke, were also detected. Of particular concern was that some of the vapes were in fact legally available while other illegal vapes were disguised as ‘highlighter pens’.
Vaping among children continues to increase. The ASH-Youth survey found that the number of 11 to 18 years vaping has more than doubled from 4% in 2021 to 8.6% in 2022.
Ren Lawlor, Chair of the PCRS Education Committee and Vice Chair of the PCRS Executive Committee commented that “While vaping is a recommended tool for smoking cessation, children are not generally using them for this reason. Instead they are being targeted as new consumers.”
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