The Irish government is considering a ban on vaping in vehicles carrying children, mirroring proposed legislation in the United Kingdom. Taoiseach Micheál Martin indicated the government’s openness to such a measure, citing concerns about the health impacts of vaping, particularly among young people.
Speaking in Cork on , Martin described his “low tolerance threshold” for vaping, characterizing it as “the revenge of Big Tobacco.” He referenced his previous work as health minister in , when he introduced the world’s first comprehensive ban on smoking in workplaces. “When we took them on on cigarettes, we made significant inroads, denormalised cigarette smoking for young people, and vapes have come (in) now,” he stated.
The proposed ban would extend beyond cars, potentially encompassing playgrounds and areas outside schools, aligning with the UK’s plans as outlined by British health secretary Wes Streeting. This broader approach aims to protect children from both firsthand and secondhand exposure to vaping aerosols.
Martin’s concerns center on the lack of thorough health assessments conducted before vapes entered the market. He emphasized that the products were introduced “without any proper health assessment in terms of the impact upon young people’s health, and on people’s health more generally.” He noted a growing body of research globally demonstrating the harmful effects of vaping, stating, “They’re very bad, they’re not good for people, and they can damage your health, and we are very concerned about it.”
The Irish government is currently developing legislation to regulate vapes, spearheaded by Minister of State at the Department of Health, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor. Martin assured that this legislation will be subject to ongoing review to determine if further measures are necessary to address the public health implications of vaping.
The UK’s proposed legislation also includes a ban on smoking outside hospitals and other healthcare facilities, although vaping would be permitted in those spaces to support individuals attempting to quit smoking. Outdoor areas near pubs and restaurants, as well as “wide-open public spaces,” would be exempt from the restrictions. The UK plan, currently under consultation, will not prohibit smoking within private homes or outdoor spaces.
The consultation process in the UK will focus on establishing clear boundaries for outdoor spaces and considering potential exemptions to ensure the rules are practical, and proportionate. This careful approach reflects the complexities of implementing such restrictions while balancing public health goals with individual freedoms.
The move to consider a ban on vaping in cars with children reflects a growing global concern about the rising rates of youth vaping and the potential long-term health consequences. While the long-term effects of vaping are still being studied, emerging evidence suggests potential risks to respiratory health, cardiovascular function, and brain development, particularly in adolescents.
Vaping products typically deliver nicotine, an addictive substance, through an aerosol produced by heating a liquid. This aerosol can contain harmful chemicals, including heavy metals and ultrafine particles, which can be inhaled deep into the lungs. The flavoring chemicals used in many vapes are also under scrutiny, as some have been linked to serious lung injuries.
The Taoiseach’s comments signal a potential shift in Ireland’s approach to vaping regulation, moving beyond simply controlling the sale and marketing of these products to actively limiting exposure, especially for vulnerable populations like children. The government’s willingness to consider mirroring the UK’s proposals underscores a commitment to prioritizing public health and protecting future generations from the potential harms of vaping.
The upcoming legislation from Minister Murnane O’Connor will be crucial in shaping the future of vaping regulation in Ireland. The government’s commitment to ongoing review suggests a willingness to adapt its policies as new scientific evidence emerges and the landscape of vaping products continues to evolve.
