FOI reference: FOI-2024-1789
You asked
Under the Freedom of information act, I am writing to request data regarding the following.
- Statistics from UK schools, raising concerns regarding incidence of underage e-cigarette use, whilst in their care and on the premises.
- Statistics from UK medical healthcare providers regarding concerns with the use of e-cigarettes in children.
- Statistics from parents regarding their concerns over the availability and health concerns of e-cigarettes and addiction
- Measurability of harmful substances in e-cigarettes.
- Advertising and accountability of traders regarding e-cigarettes policy.
- Statistics regarding adverse reactions to e-cigarettes, adults, and children in UK, resulting in admission to hospital.
- Any data to support that e-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes.
- Any data to cast doubt on whether e-cigarettes help to quit smoking
We said
Thank you for your request.
Unfortunately, we do not hold the data you have requested. We have published analysis of E-cigarette usage E-cigarette use in Great Britain but this does not include the specific information requested.
With regards to adverse reactions to e-cigarettes and hospital admissions, NHS England may be better placed to answer your enquiry. They can be contacted at enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk.
NHS Digital have also conducted a survey regarding the use of Vapes by secondary school children. Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Young People in England, 2021 - NHS Digital.
Office for Improvements and Disparities have also recently published an evidence outcome which may be of interest.
With regards to the measurability of harmful substances and the comparison to traditional cigarettes, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) may be better placed to answer your enquiry. They can be contacted at enquiries@ash.org.uk.
With regards to advertising and accountability of traders, further information can be found at UK law on the advertising of e-cigarettes - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). For further information please contact dhsc.publicenquiries@dhsc.gov.uk.