Vapes threaten to undo gains in tackling dangers of tobacco, health leaders warn

Vapes of varying flavours on sale in Birmingham last year. The UK banned disposable vapes, or e-cigarettes, this month. However, 62 countries apply no regulations at all. Photograph: PA

Aggressively marketed vapes threaten to undo progress made on smoking control, according to the World Health Organization.

Officials, speaking at the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin, said efforts were stalling when it came to helping tobacco users to quit, campaigning in the media on the dangers, and imposing higher taxes on tobacco products. Young people were particularly vulnerable, it added.