Amsterdam, Netherlands — October 24, 2024 — A group of Dutch doctors has issued a stern warning about a new generation of vape devices that are being marketed towards young people, combining vaping technology with phone capabilities, music playback, and even gaming features like the classic game “Snake.” The medical community is raising alarms about these “smart vapes,” which are being described as an alarming evolution in the vaping industry’s efforts to attract and hook younger users.
Dr. Sophie Cohen, a specialist in pediatric lung health, voiced her concerns on Dutch broadcaster NOS, stating, “It is an extremely twisted thing. The awful thing is I am not surprised the industry has come up with something to make children even more addicted. That is their earnings model. The younger the brain, the more receptive it is to addiction.”
In addition to the addictive qualities of the devices themselves, the new smart vapes often use flavored liquids, such as fruit and candy varieties, which have been banned in the Netherlands since January 1, 2024. Despite the ban, these products remain easily accessible. The Dutch Product Safety Board, NVWA, has confirmed that it is aware of the rise of these devices and suspects that they are entering the Dutch market from abroad or through illicit means.
Alarmingly, interviews with young users suggest that these vapes can still be purchased “behind the counter” at certain shops in the Netherlands. This points to a larger issue of enforcement and regulation in controlling access to these banned products.
Dutch Junior Health Minister Vincent Karremans condemned the tobacco industry’s tactics, labeling them as “scandalous” in their attempts to make harmful products more appealing to young consumers. He announced that his office is currently working on an action plan to tackle the illegal trade of these smart vapes and prevent further harm to the country’s youth.
As the vaping epidemic among young people continues to grow, healthcare professionals and policymakers alike are calling for stronger measures to protect children from these dangerous products. Parents, educators, and communities are urged to remain vigilant and educate young people about the risks associated with vaping and nicotine addiction.
