Ireland Grapples with Rise of Youth Vaping
Experts raise concerns as e-cigarette marketing targets teens.
While some nations restrict them, vape shops are common in Ireland, marketing to children and teens. Alarmingly, one third of Irish 15- and 16-year-olds are now using e-cigarettes, sparking public health worries.
Vaping: A Public Health Threat?
Once promoted as a tool to quit smoking, opinions regarding e-cigarettes have shifted. Due to high nicotine levels and addictive properties, many medical experts now actively discourage vaping.
Authorities are concerned that vaping may be more harmful than previously realized. “They have inadvertently become a Trojan horse in public health, presenting unforeseen risks and challenges,”
said one expert.
Targeting the Youth
The vaping industry faces accusations of targeting young people by appealing to them directly via flavors and marketing. For example, one shop is even named “Vapes & Candy,” as seen in the image below.
Global Concerns
The global rise in youth vaping has prompted action in many countries. For instance, in the United States, the FDA has cracked down on flavored e-cigarettes, issuing marketing denial orders to several companies (FDA, 2024).
