Vaping Hits All-Time High in the UK: A Double-Edged Sword for Public Health

The latest analysis from Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) reveals a concerning trend in the UK, with the number of adults who vape reaching an all-time high. Currently, approximately 5.6 million adults, or about 11% of the adult population, are using e-cigarettes. This rise is coupled with a significant increase in the number of smokers who also vape, which has doubled from 17% in 2021 to 32% in 2024. This alarming statistic translates to approximately 2.2 million individuals who are juggling both smoking and vaping. The report highlights that a significant portion of the vaping population consists of former smokers, with 53% of vapers having previously smoked. This figure equates to around 3 million individuals who have turned to vaping as a means to quit smoking. Notably, the median duration for which former smokers have been vaping is two years, yet the data also suggests that over half of these individuals have been using e-cigarettes for more than three years—a stark increase from just 18% in 2017. In light of these findings, public health experts are calling for renewed attention to the dangers associated with nicotine products. Hazel Cheeseman, deputy chief executive of Ash, emphasized the importance of vaping as a cessation tool, stating that it can play a crucial role in creating a smoke-free future for generations to come. However, she stressed the need for stricter regulations on vaping products to mitigate youth access while ensuring that vaping remains a viable option for those attempting to quit smoking. Echoing these sentiments, Henry Gregg from Asthma + Lung UK pointed out the difficulties many smokers face when trying to quit. He highlighted the need for increased funding for local stop smoking services that have faced budget cuts yet play a vital role in supporting individuals to quit for good. Furthermore, Leonie Brose, a professor of addictions public health at King's College London, raised alarms about prevalent misconceptions surrounding vaping. She noted that a significant number of smokers falsely believe that vaping is as harmful as smoking. Such misunderstandings can deter smokers from considering vaping as a less harmful alternative, potentially prolonging their smoking habits and increasing health risks. The government appears to be taking steps to address these challenges. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson reiterated that while vaping can assist in smoking cessation, it is crucial for non-smokers—especially children—not to engage in vaping. The upcoming tobacco and vapes bill aims to protect future generations from the dangers of nicotine, with proposals such as prohibiting anyone born after January 2009 from purchasing cigarettes and introducing stricter controls on vaping products. As the UK grapples with these pressing public health issues, the need for comprehensive strategies that balance the benefits of vaping as a smoking cessation tool with the risks it poses to younger populations has never been more urgent. The findings of this report serve as a crucial reminder of the complexities involved in tackling smoking and vaping in modern society.