Vaping Safety For Children: How To Keep Your Kids Safe From Vapes
Renowned as a less harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes, vaping has quickly become popular over recent years. However, using vapes and e-liquids can cause significant harm to anyone if used incorrectly, especially children, if you leave a vape and e-liquid unattended. So, it’s essential to be aware of how to reduce the dangers of vaping and protect young people from vape pens and e-liquids.
Here at SmokShop, we tell you everything you need to know about the dangers of vaping and how to keep your children safe from vapes and e-liquids.
Table of contents
- What are vapes and e-liquids?
- What are the risks of vapes and e-liquids?
- How to use vape pens and e-liquids safely
- How old do you have to be to buy a vape?
- How can you prevent harm to children from vapes and e-liquids?
What are vapes and e-liquids?
Vapes, often known as e-cigarettes, are electronic devices that produce aerosols by heating a liquid. The liquid used in vapes is called an e-liquid, which contains flavourings and nicotine, amongst other chemicals. E-liquid is heated when using a vape, and users inhale the aerosol created into their lungs.
Vapes come in many shapes and sizes to suit the user’s preference. At SmokShop, we stock several types of vapes, from disposable Elf bars to vape pens. Most vapes have a battery included to help heat the e-liquid. Although vapes have different designs, they work in a similar manner.
E-liquids contain Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), and nicotine. PG or VG in a vape has a small impact on the effect of the strength of the throat hit, flavour and the amount of vapour produced.
What are the risks of vapes and e-liquids?
Vapes and e-liquids come with various risks for both adults and children:
Addiction
Nicotine is the main ingredient used in vapes and e-liquids and is a highly addictive substance. Moreover, using vapes regularly during adolescence may make the user more likely to become addicted to other substances.
Harm to brain development
The adolescent brain does not stop developing until approximately the age of 25. Using nicotine-based products, such as vapes and e-liquids, during adolescence can harm parts of the brain. Vaping can damage brain areas that impact learning, mood, and impulse control.
Withdrawal symptoms
If the user suddenly decides to stop vaping after being dependent on the substance, they may experience nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms include trouble sleeping, restlessness, depression, anxiety, irritation and nicotine cravings.
These withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to face alone, and many people return to nicotine products to help relieve symptoms, starting the cycle again.
How to use vape pens and e-liquids safely
When handling e-liquid, ensure that you keep it away from your mouth and your children’s mouths to prevent ingestion of the liquid. Ingestion of e-liquid can lead to poisoning in adults and even death if swallowed by children. Be careful not to inhale any particulate matter produced by a vape. The inhalation of particulate matter from a vape could lead to heart disease and asthma attacks.
The packaging of vapes and e-liquids may also be inaccurate and unsafe for children. Some e-liquids may be labelled as nicotine-free but may contain some nicotine. Vapes and e-liquids may be sold in packaging that could harm children. Any e-liquid sold in glass or plastic bottles can potentially be opened by children causing the liquid to leak.
Ensure that you keep e-liquids away from the skin and eyes, as swallowing and absorbing e-liquid can result in poisoning. Always ensure that vape batteries are working and in good condition, as defective batteries can result in explosions and fires.
There are several short-term effects that everyone should be aware of when handling and using vapes and e-liquids, but scientists are still learning about the long-term effects.
How old do you have to be to buy a vape?
As of October 1st 2015, the legal age for vaping or buying a vape or e-liquids in the UK is 18 years old. Everyone who looks under the age of 25 must show proof of age when buying in-store. This law is still in force on the internet, where users must confirm they are 18 before entering the site.
Some retailers use third-party age verification before allowing users to complete their orders. Although entering a website can be easily bypassed, all vape retailers require proof of age upon delivery. It is also illegal for adults to buy or found attempting to buy vapes or e-liquids for anyone under 18.
Some countries have different laws regarding the purchase of vaping products. The legal age to buy vaping products in America is 21, whilst the possession or sale of vaping products is strictly illegal, with the exception of special circumstances. Anyone found supplying vaping products to anyone under 18 in the UK could face a fine or imprisonment.
How can you prevent harm to children from vapes and e-liquids?
Ensuring your children are safe from any dangers surrounding vapes and e-liquids is one of the most important things to consider before vaping. Lock your vapes and e-liquids away so they are out of sight and reach of your children. This will ensure your children aren’t exposed to the liquid and prevents serious skin damage or poisoning.
Do not use or discard your vapes or e-liquids in front of your children. Your child might see where you left them and attempt to use them themselves, which could also cause serious harm.
If your child is in their teens, there are several steps you can take to ensure your child does not get into the habit of vaping. Set a good example to your children by not exposing them to second-hand fumes and telling them the dangers of vaping. Tell your children to stay away from vapour and adopt a vape-free home and car environment so you do not expose your children to any fumes.
Keep your children safe from vaping
Though considered a safer alternative to smoking, vaping presents its own risks and dangers. So, using vapes and e-liquids correctly and taking the necessary measures to prevent harm to young people is essential.
By following the safety tips from this blog and familiarising yourself with the dangers of vaping, you can ensure that your children will stay safe from vapes.
Shop quality vape pens and e-liquids at SmokShop
We stock an excellent selection of high-quality e-liquids, so whether you prefer sweet, salty, fruity or menthol flavours, we’re confident there’s something for you. Browse our collections today, including disposable fruit and disposable menthol and mint vapes, and find your next favourite flavour with SmokShop.
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