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Schools across Gwent have been warned about the dangers of underage vaping after several children became ill and collapsed.
Tracy Daszkiewicz, the director for public health at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, has written to schools following four separate incidents across Gwent.
Why is Caerphilly in Gwent?
Caerphilly County Borough was formed on April 1, 1996, by the merger of the Rhymney Valley district of Mid Glamorgan with the Islwyn borough of Gwent.
Administratively, for local services such as the police and health, the borough now falls under a wider region referred to as Gwent. This comprises the council areas of Caerphilly, Newport, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire.
Her message, which schools have been asked to circulate to parents and carers, reads: “We have had four separate incidents involving five children who have used a vape and become unwell.
“It is thought the vape may contain an illicit drug or toxin, as when inhaled the children have become unwell and collapsed.
“The children received medical attention and support and are now well.
“At this time the five children involved are in the Caerphilly, Newport, and Torfaen areas of Gwent. We want all parents and families across Gwent to be aware of this situation and be extra vigilant.”
Professor Daszkiewicz continued: “Should any parent be concerned that their child has used a vape containing an illicit drug or toxin, they should call 111 for advice or go to their nearest emergency department and report the situation to the police by calling 101.”
Underage vape sales a “major problem”
Earlier this year, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s trading standards, licensing and registrars manager, Jacqui Morgan, said underage vape sales were a “major problem” in the borough.
The issue was also raised in the Senedd in November, with calls for single-use vapes to be banned.
Labour MS Jenny Rathbone said raspberry and bubble gum-flavoured vapes are being targeted at school children as if they were sweets.
She told MSs on November 15: “In a meeting on liver disease, we heard that children as young as four and five are using vapes.”
The Cardiff Central MS criticised “hopelessly out of date” guidance issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in 2021 which excludes under 12s.
Ms Rathbone highlighted evidence that single-use vapes deliver between eight and 20 times the nicotine of the average cigarette, making it more difficult to quit than smoking.”
She called for e-cigarettes to be made prescription-only.
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