2026-05-20 13:00:14
Children as young as four have reportedly been rushed to hospital after suffering vaping-related medical emergencies.
New figures reveal 25 hospital admissions involving young children and teenagers have been recorded over the past three years, amid growing concern over the popularity of e-cigarettes among youngsters.
Freedom of Information data shows as many as 138 children and teens were treated by doctors because of vaping during the same period.
Across all age groups, the total number of vaping-related admissions reached 1,074, although National Health Service (NHS) officials said the figure could include repeat hospital visits by the same patients.
Health experts warn e-cigarettes can trigger serious complications, including lung damage, pneumonia and nicotine poisoning.
Heavy nicotine exposure can lead to dizziness, vomiting and breathing difficulties, while some admissions have involved vapes contaminated with drugs.
One alarming case involved 13-year-old twins Scarlett and Olivia Bywood, who collapsed unconscious in a park after using an e-cigarette, unaware that it was laced.
Their mother, Kay Fores, 37, from Hull, told The Sun: “If they’d not been found they’d be dead.”
The figures come despite laws banning under-18s from purchasing vapes.
Surveys suggest around seven per cent of youngsters regularly use the devices, potentially equating to almost a million underage vapers across Britain.
Many are believed to be drawn in by sweet and fruity flavours, some of which are banned or sold illegally on the black market.
Governments have attempted to tackle the problem through tougher rules, including restrictions on disposable e-cigarettes and novelty flavours marketed at younger users.
However, concern remains that illicit products continue to circulate widely.
Hospital admissions linked to vaping have fallen overall, dropping from 431 in 2022 to 299 in the year ending this March.
The NHS urged caution when interpreting the youngest age data, noting that recording errors could account for some admissions involving very young children.
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