'I bought them for the flavours, now I'm buying for the nicotine': The addictive allure of vaping

Big strides have been made in recent years to reduce the appeal of smoking, but now young people are being sucked in by the vaping phenomenon, despite uncertainty over the health risks

Patrick Portley from Newcastle West: 'I have tried quitting and to be completely honest if you can avoid vaping at all costs you should... Go cold turkey on the fags or get the patches.' Picture: Brendan Gleeson

With flavours ranging from strawberry ice cream and cola to pink lemonade and blueberry, disposable vapes have taken the nicotine industry by storm, becoming the newest accessory in many a young person’s fist.

With an average retail price ranging from €7 to €9, and a colourful, enticing appearance, disposable vapes are designed to appeal to young people, luring them in with an appetising flavour range. And once people start to vape, the addictive quality of nicotine makes sure many of them continue the habit, or progress to cigarette smoking