A vaping task force has been set up following concerns about their use among young people.
Westmorland and Furness Council has set up the group as schools in the Furness area said they were seeing an increase in the number of young people being found in possession of vapes on school premises, some of which have been found to be non-compliant with regulations or containing other drugs such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The group includes Cumbria police, health trust representatives, and members of Furness Education Consortium.
The group encourages parents and carers to proactively speak to their children about the use of vapes and explain the risks and dangers associated with them.
There are concerns around vaping due to the exposure to some toxins, of which the long-term effects are not yet known. Most vapes also contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance found to be riskier for young people than adults as evidence suggests the developing brain is more sensitive to its addictive effects.
It is also a criminal offence to sell vapes to under-18s, or buy them on behalf of under 18s. Anyone found breaking these rules risk being prosecuted, and a possible maximum £2,500 fine.
Trading Standards have pledged to continue its underage test purchasing exercises to check traders adhere to the strict laws in place to restrict young people from buying vapes.
Cllr Patricia Bell, cabinet member for adults, health and care, said: “It is worrying to see the reported increase in children using vapes when little is known about the long-term side effects. I welcome this taskforce and would encourage parents to speak to their children to educate them around the potential dangers.”
