Thousands of children across Wales dependant are on vapes
Nearly half of all children who vape say they can't go through a school day without vaping
A new youth survey by ASH Wales says more than half of children who vape are using illegal untested vapes.
The survey of over 12,000 secondary school children is the largest of its kind in the UK, and is highlighting rising issues within vaping, such as dependency and illegal vapes.
9 out of 10 children who vape in Wales are using vapes that include highly addictive nicotine, and 45% of vapers say they can't even last one school day without vaping.
The popularity of vaping amongst children has been highlighted too, with over half of pupils from year 7 to 11 saying vaping is common in their year groups.
Finally, and most concerning, 4 in 10 pupils say vapes are easy to get a hold of.
ASH Wales are now calling on the Welsh Government to bring in a Tobacco and Nicotine Retail Register to help prevent the sale of illegal vapes.
The register would mean any retailers who want to sell vapes must pay a fee and add their details to the register.
ASH Wales Chief Executive, Suzanne Cass, said: “Wales needs urgent action to crackdown on illegal traders, support community action and educate our young people. It is totally unacceptable that we have so many untested, highly addictive, illegal products being sold to so many children".