A recent study conducted by University College London (UCL) reveals a growing trend of adults in England engaging in both smoking and vaping, termed as “dual use”. The research, part of the Smoking Toolkit Study, tracked smoking and vaping habits from 2016 onwards through surveys involving 128,588 adults in England. In 2016, approximately 3.5% of adults were dual users, but this figure increased to 5.2% by 2024. The study found that while the proportion of smokers who also vaped remained stable at around 19% until mid-2021, the introduction of disposable e-cigarettes saw a surge to 34% by April 2024.
Of particular note is the significant rise in dual users among young adults, with almost three in five young smokers (59%) also vaping, a sharp increase from 19.6% at the study’s outset. The data suggests that dual use could be linked to a reduction in smoking and an increase in vaping over time. The study indicated a shift in behaviour among dual users towards more frequent vaping and less frequent smoking, potentially driven by younger smokers. However, researchers expressed concerns about the impact of misconceptions surrounding vaping risks, which could hinder smokers’ cessation efforts.
Dr Sarah Jackson from UCL highlighted that dual use of cigarettes and vapes can act as a transitional phase for individuals aiming to quit smoking or cut down on their habit. She emphasized that while dual use may not pose long-term health risks, quitting smoking entirely remains the optimal choice for health benefits. The study underscored the need for accurate information on the relative harms of smoking and vaping to enable informed decisions.
Professor Jamie Brown, the senior author of the study, stressed the importance of government-backed campaigns to promote accurate messaging regarding smoking and vaping risks. Hazel Cheeseman from Action on Smoking and Health echoed the sentiment, calling for initiatives that facilitate the complete transition from smoking to vaping. Cancer Research UK emphasized the necessity of regulating access to vaping products to prevent misuse and ensure effective smoking cessation strategies.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the evolving landscape of smoking and vaping habits in England, indicating a shift towards increased dual use, particularly among young adults. Clear and accurate information, along with targeted interventions, will be crucial in supporting smokers to make informed choices and ultimately reduce harm associated with smoking.