England Proposes Ban on Vaping in Cars with Children
The UK government has announced plans to prohibit vaping and the use of heated tobacco in cars transporting anyone under the age of 18 in England. This measure is part of the broader tobacco and vapes bill, which also aims to outlaw smoking, vaping, and heated tobacco products in playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals.
Growing Evidence of Health Risks
According to the Department of Health and Social Care, there is increasing evidence that emissions from heated tobacco and secondhand vapour from e-cigarettes pose significant health risks. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the need for protection, stating, "No child in a playground or hospital patient should suffer because someone else chooses to smoke." He highlighted that secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer, and the government seeks to shield children and vulnerable individuals from harm.
The department noted that youth vaping has risen sharply in recent years, raising concerns about nicotine addiction and potential long-term health effects. Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, added that exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to serious health issues, including asthma, poor birth outcomes, several cancers, stroke, and heart disease.
Legislative Details and Exemptions
The proposed legislation extends the existing ban on smoking in cars with children, which has been illegal since 2015, to include vaping and heated tobacco. However, the bill does not include a ban on smoking outside pubs and exempts smoking or vaping in care homes, hospices, mental health hospitals, and residential schools.
These measures are subject to a public consultation launched on Friday, which will run for 12 weeks until 8 May. The consultation aims to gather feedback on balancing child protection with supporting adults who use vapes as a smoking cessation tool.
Support from Health Campaigners
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), a health campaign charity, has expressed support for exploring the ban. Caroline Cerny, ASH's deputy chief executive, commented, "This consultation, and the wider legislation it is part of, is focused on protecting children. Although exposure to secondhand vapour is significantly less harmful than secondhand smoke, it is reasonable to consider whether steps should be taken to minimise any potential risk – particularly in small, enclosed spaces such as cars where children are present."
She stressed the importance of striking a balance in regulations to protect children while ensuring adults who smoke are still encouraged to switch to vapes. The consultation process is expected to help the government achieve this equilibrium.
The move reflects a proactive approach to public health, addressing emerging risks associated with modern tobacco products and vaping trends in England.
