By Tony O’Reilly-
Two women in Scotland have been charged by the country’s prosecution service after videos emerged online of a toddler vaping.
The disturbing footage, which has since garnered widespread attention, depicts a young blonde-haired girl inhaling from a pink vape device while adults stand by.
The incident, believed to have occurred in East Ayrshire prompted swift action from authorities. Police Scotland confirmed that both women involved, aged 19, have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Thankfully, the child seen in the videos is reported to be safe and well.
Upon discovery of the videos, concerns were immediately raised with East Ayrshire Council’s social work department. While the council refrained from commenting on the specifics of the case, they assured that all concerns raised have been duly followed up.
Reacting to the distressing footage, Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr and Scotland’s community safety minister, expressed her shock, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Brown highlighted the inherent dangers associated with vaping, particularly for young children whose developing lungs are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of nicotine and toxic substances present in vape products.
Brown’s concerns echo those of Sheila Duffy, chief executive of charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) Scotland.
Duffy emphasized that e-cigarettes, often perceived as harmless alternatives to traditional smoking, contain high levels of nicotine and untested chemicals, posing significant risks, especially for children.
Stressing the addictive nature of nicotine and its adverse impact on brain development, Duffy urged for stringent measures to keep vaping products out of the reach of children.
The incident highlights the urgent need for heightened awareness and regulation surrounding vaping, particularly in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, such as children, from its potential harms.
With the Scottish government set to implement legislation banning disposable vapes in the near future, it is hoped that such measures will contribute to mitigating the risks associated with vaping, safeguarding public health, and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.