Almost one in 10 children aged 12 has tried vaping, and almost 40% of 12 to 16-year-olds who use vapes consider themselves addicted, new research on behalf of the health ministry has shown.

Doctors confronted with teens with serious lung conditions have long warned against the dangers of vaping, which include collapsed lungs, COPD and cancer. Last week RTL reported that at least five youngsters have nearly died as a result of vaping in the Netherlands.

Junior health minister Vincent Karremans launched an anti-vaping campaign on Monday, including an action plan aimed at discouraging teens from taking up the habit, helping them to stop, and combating the trade in illegal vapes.

The campaign – Say no to vaping – is also aimed at parents, who should talk to their children about the consequences of vaping at an early age, Karremans said. “Vapes are often packed with nicotine, sometimes 400 times as much as in a cigarette. After heroin and crack, vapes are the most addictive drug around. So even vaping once can lead to addiction,” he said.

According to the research, one in seven teens finds it hard to refuse the offer of a vape, while one in six feel they are pressured into using the fake cigarettes.

Lung specialist Wanda de Kanter said nicotine can have “an irreversible effect” on a young brain. ‘Vaping gives a dopamine rush and a craving for more. The long-term planning part of the brain is effectively shut off,” she told the AD. “That is why teenagers are addicted to cigarettes and other junk at the same time,” she said.

De Kanter said action against the trade in illegal vapes needs to be ramped up and that Karreman must” limit the number of vape outlets or the food watchdog NVWA will no longer be able to cope,” she said.

Henk Krames, chairman of the society of lung specialists, applauded the campaign but said the only solution to the problem is a complete ban and proper policing of illegal vapes. “It’s crazy we are allowing these toxic things in the Netherlands,” he said.

“I know it’s complicated for the government, but treating lung cancer is also complicated,” Kramer said.

The campaign will run until June 8.