A twelve-year-old boy faced a terrifying medical emergency after using an illegal vape, leaving him struggling to breathe and with excruciating chest pain that he described as feeling 'like it was on fire'. The incident has prompted urgent warnings from medical professionals and health officials about the severe risks illicit e-cigarettes pose to children.
The young boy, from Bury, Greater Manchester, was rushed to hospital after the vaping device triggered a severe reaction. His mother recounted the horrifying moment she found her son in distress, stating he was 'gasping for air' and in immense pain.
Medical staff at the hospital confirmed his symptoms were a direct result of using the unregulated device. They treated him for inflammation and respiratory distress, warning that the consequences could have been even more severe.
What's in Illegal Vapes?
This alarming case highlights a growing public health crisis. Illicit vapes often contain:
- Unknown and unregulated chemical mixtures
- Dangerously high levels of nicotine
- Potentially toxic substances not found in approved products
- Heavy metals and other harmful contaminants
Unlike regulated e-cigarettes available through legal channels, these black-market devices undergo no safety testing or quality control.
A Mother's Warning
The boy's mother shared her family's ordeal as a stark warning to other parents. 'I never thought something like this could happen to someone so young,' she said. 'These devices are marketed to kids with sweet flavours and bright colours, but they're putting children's lives at risk.'
She's calling for stricter enforcement against shops selling vaping products to minors and stronger action against the illegal vape market that specifically targets young people.
Growing Concern Among Health Officials
Health experts across the UK are expressing increasing concern about the rise of vaping among children and teenagers. Many are calling for:
- Tighter regulations on vaping product marketing
- Stronger enforcement against illegal sales
- Better education about the risks of unregulated devices
- Increased penalties for those selling to minors
The case serves as a chilling reminder that while vaping is often considered safer than smoking for adult smokers trying to quit, unregulated devices pose significant and potentially life-threatening risks, especially to young people.
