Disposable Vapes

Conference notes:

A. E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are battery powered devices which allow nicotine to be inhaled through a vapour (‘vaping’) rather than smoke.

B. E-cigarettes are made up of three parts:

a. A battery powered heating element.

b. A cartridge containing a solution with nicotine, propylene glycol or glycerine and water, additives and flavourings.

c. An atomiser that vaporises the cartridge contents when heated.

C. A report published by the Public Health Wales Observatory shows that smoking is the single biggest cause of avoidable mortality in Wales.

D. 23% of people aged 16 and over describe themselves as smokers.

E.It is estimated that smoking costs NHS Wales around £1m per day. This is approximately 7% of total expenditure on healthcare.

F. Some criticisms of of e-cigarettes include:

a. Mouth and throat irritation caused by propylene glycol.

b. Flaws in labelling and design.

c. Lack of warnings and information.

d. Poor shelf life.

e. Cancer causing substances such as nitrosamines.

G. There is a general consensus that e-cigarettes are likely to be less harmful as opposed to tobacco. However, there is no evidence to show that vaping really is a helpful tool to quit smoking.

Conference believes:

i. We believe in the right of individuals to make their own decisions about how they live their lives, as long as they do not cause harm to others.

ii. We value the importance of acting at home and internationally to promote environmentally sustainable means of production and consumption and living in harmony with nature.

iii. We should try to raise awareness of the dangers of vaping, and the gateway it potentially opens up to smoking.

Conference calls for:

1. The Welsh Government to explore the introduction of a vape deposit buy-back scheme.

2. The Welsh Government to investigate options to prevent the promotion of vaping to children, such as stricter advertising regulations and requiring plain packaging.

3. Local authorities to restrict the use of vapes on premises operated (or licensed by) local authorities and used by young people including schools, youth clubs, and leisure centres.

4. Welsh Government to commission an independent review of research regarding potential harm caused by vaping, with particular reference to potential harm to non-vapers ("passive vaping").