UK government to spend £62m to launch 10-year vape health study
The British government will launch a 10-year study to investigate the long-term effects of vapes on the health and behavior of children under the age of eight.
The Department of Health said the long-term health effects of youth vaping were not fully understood and that the comprehensive study would provide the most detailed picture to date. The £62m ($78.1 million) study will follow 100,000 participants aged between eight and 18 for 10 years, collecting data on their behavior, biology, and health records.
The UK government, which plans to introduce a flat tax on vape vaping from October next year, says the study will give researchers and policymakers the evidence they need to protect the next generation from potential health risks.
The UK government has also launched a national vape awareness campaign to speak directly to young people through social media and influencers.
A UK country closes 68 illegal tobacco stores in a year
According to the BBC on February 18, 2024, the Lincolnshire police in the United Kingdom closed 68 shops selling illegal electronic cigarettes and cigarettes.
More than 670,000 illegal cigarettes, 17,000 illegal vapes, and 370 kg of tobacco were seized in the crackdown.
The data shows that the amount of illicit tobacco in 2024 has increased by 150% compared to 2023. The police pointed out that these illegal activities not only hurt the interests of legitimate operators but also funded more criminal activities, monopolized high street space, and crowded out legitimate small businesses.
