VAPING has soared in popularity over the past few years, with users attracted to the brightly coloured packaging and enticing sweet flavours.
However, the UK has begun a crackdown on the smoking alternatives, banning single-use vapes earlier this month to stop children getting hooked on the devices and to protect the environment.
Vaping has soared in popular in recent years, with users attracted to the enticing flavours[/caption]
This map shows the seven holiday hotspots where users can be fined for vaping[/caption]
And the UK isn’t the only country to enforce laws against vaping, with some of the most visited countries in the world dishing out fines of up to £5600 for using electronic cigarettes.
Are you travelling to one of these holiday hotspots this summer?
Spain
Spain is the country visited most frequently by sun-seeking Brits, but it has strict regulations when it comes to vaping.
Although vaping is legal in the sunny nation, any Brits caught vaping on beaches will be find 200 euros (£168).
And vaping indoors has an even heftier fine of up to 500 euros (£420).
United States
Vaping in the US is legal for those over 21 but laws vary from state to state.
For example, in Texas vaping is banned in all enclosed public spaces, with those breaking the rules facing a fine of £148.
In Illinois, vaping is banned in all indoor places, with rule breakers facing fines of £185.
Turkey
In Turkey, the sale of vapes and e-liquids are banned, however, you are able to bring your own vapes on holiday with you.
You must be over the age of 19 to vape, and vaping is banned in all enclosed public areas, the same as smoking.
Anyone caught vaping or smoking in public indoor space will face a fine of around £35.
Italy
In Italy, it is legal to use and purchase vapes if you are over the age of 18.
However, the use of electronic cigarettes is banned everywhere that smoking is, such as in enclosed public spaces, on public transport and in open air spaces near minors or pregnant women.
Fines for breaking these rules vary across the country, ranging from £23.50 to £234.
The 4 horrifying things that can happen to your body after vaping
VAPES were once hailed as miracle devices to help adults ditch cigarettes.
But while the devices don’t carry the same risks as tobacco, experts have warned that vaping might not be so harmless after all.
Here are five ways vaping could damage young users bodies:
1. It could slow down brain development
Vaping nicotine can permanently affect brain development in people under the age of 25, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It said that nicotine consumed during teenage years can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control, as well as increase the risk of addiction.
2. It could lead to tooth decay
Dr Michael Heffernan, a dentist at The Wessex Dental Specialist Care, said most vapes contain dangerous chemical that can harm your teeth and lead to decay.
Puffing on the devices could also lead to mouth dryness, creating an environment in which harmful bacteria can grow.
3. It could damage heart health
However, some of the chemicals found in vapes can be damaging to the heart, with the American Heart Association (AHA) stating that vaping is “as harmful to the body’s cardiovascular systems as cigarettes”.
4. It could cause lung disease
Vaping from a young age could leave children with breathing difficulties, with paediatric respiratory consultant Dr Mike McKean saying he’d seen reports of people developing lung disease related to vaping.
Researchers from the US also found that young people who vape are more at risk of bronchitis, inflammation of the airways, and shortness of breath.
Read more on how vaping can affect your health here.
Mexico
In Mexico there is a total ban on the sale import and distribution of vapes.
Using vapes for personal use is often treated as a grey area, but bringing vapes into the country is classed as importing, which is illegal.
Fines for vaping in public range from £37 to £222.
Japan
In Japan, e-cigarettes containing nicotine have been banned since 2010.
Vapes without nicotine in them are legal for anyone regardless of age, as there are no laws against them.
Anyone caught vaping outside designated areas could be hit with a fine of up to £5600.
Thailand
In Thailand, there is a total ban on vapes, under strict laws which have been in place since 2014.
Anyone caught using a vape could face up to five years in prison, and a fine of four times the product’s value.
