Shocking footage has captured the moment a British toddler vaped in front of a group of adults before coughing and spluttering.
In a series of distressing video clips released online, the baby – thought to be aged between one and two – is seen inhaling on a pink vape.
Holding a plastic sipping cup, the blonde-haired infant is then shown exhaling while smiling at the camera.
In a second sickening clip, the child is seen clutching another vape and is filmed coughing after sucking on the device.
The two incidents allegedly took place in Ayrshire, Scotland, and have been reported to Police Scotland and the Social Work Department. Two 19-year-old women have since been charged.
The clips were shared by an individual who viewed the footage, along with a screenshot of a Google search detailing the effects of ingesting nicotine in children, reports the Daily Record.
It states: ‘A young child can die from very small amounts of nicotine. The effects of nicotine poisoning can come on very quickly.
‘If you think your child may have been exposed to nicotine, you should seek medical attention or call an ambulance immediately.’
The abhorrent video footage, which has been viewed thousands of times, sparked outrage online.
‘Surely not? This has made me so angry,’ said one person. Another added: ‘This is so, so disgusting. Poor child. Who does that?! Wee baby deserves to be safe.’
While a third person raged: ‘This is absolutely vile. That poor child deserves better.’
The clips comes amid fresh warnings about the impact vapes and e-cigarettes can have.
A recent study last year revealed that schoolchildren as young as eight are vaping – with the sweet flavours and colourful packaging reportedly being attractive to kids.
The shock data, collated by a Trading Standards branch, was shared at a Lancashire County Council.
It also revealed that one in six teens there are now regular vapers – almost triple the proportion in 2020.
Doctors fear there could be a wave of lung disease, dental issues and even cancer in the coming decades in people who took up the habit at a young age.
In November, figures showed two dozen children have been hospitalised due to vaping over the past two years.
Hospital admission rates for ‘vaping-related disorders’ in under-20s in general have risen six-fold over the same period, amid an exploding e-cigarette epidemic among youths.
Usage rates among teens have almost doubled in a decade, leading the Government to promise a crackdown on vapes being sold and marketed to minors.
Since the start of 2022, there have been 24 vaping-related hospitalisations for children aged under ten.
NHS inform warned even occasional vaping can lead to nicotine addiction and that withdrawal can cause stress and anxiety.
Their website states: ‘Vapes are not for children or non-smokers. Someone who uses vapes may become addicted to nicotine and find it difficult to stop using it.
‘You can become addicted to nicotine within days of starting to use it, even if you only vape occasionally. Research on smoking has shown that nicotine addiction can affect your mental health. It can make you tired, stressed and anxious.’
Speaking of the video clips showing the toddler vaping, a Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘Two women, both aged 19 years, are the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal. The child is safe and well.’