E-cigarettes led my daughter to take up smoking, says concerned mother

A mother who says electronic cigarettes led to her 14-year-old daughter taking up smoking is warning other parents to be aware of the danger.

The Balderton woman, who does not want to be named, claims her teenage daughter took up smoking after getting hooked on e-cigarettes bought from Newark market.

E-cigarettes deliver a nicotine vapour without the harmful toxins present in regular cigarettes, although their impact on health is still a subject of debate among experts.

Some claim they are a valuable aid to help smokers quit, but there are concerns they could encourage young people to take up the habit.

The mother, who spoke to the Advertiser, said: “I never thought my daughter would smoke and that is what has started her off.

“They have different flavours like vanilla and blueberry that appeal to young people and they contain nicotine, which makes them addictive.

“It has taught her to inhale and has led to her taking up proper cigarettes.”

There is currently no legal age restriction on the sale of e-cigarettes, but most carry a voluntary age warning that they are not safe for under-18s.

Legislation is set to come into force later this year that will see a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes to under-18s.

The mother said: “Most parents would not realise that their children can go out and buy e-cigarettes and would presume it is illegal to sell them to under-18s like it is with normal cigarettes.

“Even if it is not illegal, I don’t think they should sell them to under-18s because it encourages youngsters to start smoking.

“I have tried grounding her and taking pocket money off her but she is still getting hold of cigarettes from other people.”

A nationwide test-purchasing exercise carried out by Public Health England and Trading Standards found that e-cigarettes were successfully purchased by under-18s in 40% of attempts. The highest proportion of purchases were made at market stalls, when successful purchases were made 80% of the time.

Professor Kevin Fenton, Public Health England’s national director of health and wellbeing, said: “We are aware of concerns about young people’s access to cigarettes.

“The report finds that, despite age-of-sale warnings, many retailers are selling e-cigarette products to young people.

“This is unacceptable. This study shows that the government and regulatory authorities need to work closely with retailers in advance of any regulations to ensure that retailers are aware of their legal responsibilities.”

Mrs Joyce Bosnjak, chairman of the Nottinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “Smoking is such an important health issue that we owe it to everyone to fully explore the potential for e-cigarettes as an aid to quitting smoking, but there is also a legitimate concern that these products could in some instances serve as a gateway into smoking for young people, which needs to be considered.

“Until appropriate regulation comes into place a voluntary age limit is a position that we support strongly and urge retailers to take a responsible approach and follow as well.”