🚭 Time to rethink vape packaging! 🚭
A recent study suggests that switching to plain packaging for vapes might help reduce their appeal to teenagers, while still serving as a smoking-cessation tool for adults. 🌱 Researchers from UCL and King’s College London surveyed nearly 2,800 young people and almost 4,000 adults to assess the impact of standardised packaging and limited flavour descriptions.
Results show a significant drop in teen interest, from 53% with usual branded packs to only 38% with standardised ones. Interestingly, adult interest stayed the same no matter the packaging style. This means that a simple packaging change could discourage young people from picking up the habit without deterring adults who use vapes to quit smoking.
Experts are calling for a delicate balance: we need to deter teens from vaping without affecting the tools adults use to quit smoking. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently making its way through the House of Lords, could pave the way for such regulations, allowing ministers to take charge over how vapes are flavoured, packaged, and displayed.
Hazel Cheeseman from Action on Smoking and Health calls this “important research” that policymakers could use to safeguard children while maintaining effective quitting aids for smokers. Parliament now has the chance to make a significant impact by passing necessary regulations aimed at reducing teen vaping. 🚭🙅♂️
What do you think? Could plain packaging be the key to striking the right balance? 💬 Let’s discuss in the comments!