Two women charged after videos of toddler vaping and coughing goes viral
Police Scotland said two 19-year-old women were charged on Saturday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two women have been charged after videos of a toddler vaping went viral online.
Police Scotland said the infant involved is “safe and well”.
The Daily Record reported the footage filmed in Ayrshire showed a toddler, thought to be aged between one and two, inhaling from a pink vape as adults watch.
Another video showed the youngster coughing after using the vape.
Police Scotland said two 19-year-old women were charged on Saturday.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Two women, both aged 19 years, are the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal. The child is safe and well.”
Ayrshire MSP Siobhian Brown told the newspaper she was “horrified” by the footage.
The SNP MSP, who is also the Scottish community safety minister, said: “I was horrified to watch the footage of a toddler vaping on social media. Vapes are not harmless and contain nicotine and dangerous toxins that could damage young developing lungs.
“I would hope this is an isolated incident and most responsible parents would know the dangers involved.
“I have had concerns for several years with the increase of youth vaping, especially with the attractive different flavours and the accessibility of disposable vapes. The Scottish Government is bringing in welcome legislation to ban disposable vapes next year.”
Sheila Duffy, chief executive of charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) Scotland, said: “Most e-cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine as well as toxic chemicals that have not been safety tested for inhalation.
“E-cigarettes present particular risks for children and all vaping products should be kept out of their reach.
“Nicotine is addictive and adversely affects brain development. It can lead to attention disorders and can harm mood and wellbeing.
“As children’s bodies are growing, damage done by these devices now increases the risk of serious longer-term health outcomes.”