Vaping Epidemic: Most Under-18s Access Devices on Online Black Market

Strategic Insights -

A new survey suggests that an overwhelming majority of minors who vape obtain their devices from online black markets, raising concerns about the growing "vaping epidemic" and its potential health risks. The survey, conducted by technology firm IKE Tech, polled 2,000 adults and 500 youths aged 15 to 17, finding that 79% of respondents believe underage users buy vapes online.

The concerns come as research presented at Europe's biggest heart conference revealed that vaping could increase stroke risk by a third, while a leading cardiologist warned of potential "irreversible harms" to young people. The survey also found that 90% of all respondents believe vapes are often given or shared by friends and siblings. Additionally, six in 10 respondents said they believe current age verification methods in shops are too easy to bypass.

Independent retailer Atul Sodha emphasized the need for a multi-layered approach to age verification, including manufacturer technology, retailer vigilance, and point-of-use verification. The charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) countered that smoking remains much more harmful than vaping, while acknowledging that e-cigarettes have helped millions of Brits quit smoking.

Key Takeaways:

  • Most under-18s who vape obtain their devices from online black markets, according to 79% of survey respondents.
  • 90% of survey respondents believe vapes are often given or shared by friends and siblings.
  • 60% of survey respondents believe current age verification methods in shops are too easy to bypass.
  • Vaping may increase stroke risk by 32%, cardiovascular disease by 24%, asthma by 24%, COPD by 46%, and mouth diseases by 47%, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
  • Smoking by comparison increases stroke risk by 64%, cardiovascular disease risk doubled, asthma risk by 56%, COPD risk by three-fold, and oral disease risk by 69%.
  • Around two million Brits have quit smoking using e-cigarettes, according to ASH.
  • Vaping rates among adults increased from 8.9% to 13.5% between January 2022 and January 2024.
  • Vaping rates among young adults rose from 17% to 26.5% over the same period.

Statistics:

  • 2,000 adults and 500 youths aged 15 to 17 participated in the IKE Tech survey.
  • 79% of respondents believed underage users buy vapes online.
  • 90% of respondents believed vapes are often given or shared by friends and siblings.
  • 60% of respondents believed current age verification methods in shops are too easy to bypass.
  • 8.9% of adults vaped in January 2022.
  • 13.5% of adults vaped in January 2024.
  • 17% of young adults vaped in January 2022.
  • 26.5% of young adults vaped in January 2024.

Sources:

  • IKE Tech survey
  • New England Journal of Medicine
  • University of California research
  • Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
  • University College London study