One million adults in England are now using vaping devices despite never having been regular smokers, according to a new health study. The findings, published in Lancet Public Health, highlight the increasing need for stricter regulations on packaging and flavours in the vaping industry.
Prior to 2021, the percentage of non-regular smokers who vaped in England was low, averaging 0.5% between 2016 and 2020. However, this rate surged to 3.5% by April 2024, translating to approximately one million vapers. The study also reveals that one in seven individuals aged 18 to 24 who had never regularly smoked are now using e-cigarettes.
While there has been an overall rise in vaping since 2021, researchers noted that the increase had stabilised since early 2023. Experts caution that banning disposable vapes, as currently planned by the UK Government, may not effectively address the issue, as some brands have already introduced reusable alternatives. Instead, they advocate for stricter regulations on the appearance, packaging, and marketing of vaping products to make them less appealing, especially to young non-smokers.
Professor Jamie Brown from the UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care emphasised the importance of minimising vaping among young non-smokers without discouraging smokers from using e-cigarettes as a cessation tool. He suggested that focusing on regulations related to product appearance, packaging, and marketing could be a more effective approach than implementing flavour bans.
The study analysed survey data collected between 2016 and 2024 from 153,073 adults in England, with 94,107 participants who had never regularly smoked. The data also highlighted a significant increase in vaping among heavy drinkers, indicating a potential correlation between vaping and smoking behaviours among this group.
Lead author Dr Sarah Jackson pointed out that while vaping could be a less harmful alternative for individuals who might have otherwise smoked, it poses increased risks for those who would not have taken up smoking. As policymakers evaluate the impact of these findings, there are calls for targeted measures to regulate vaping products and their accessibility.
Looking ahead, the UK Government has pledged to introduce a Tobacco and Vapes Bill to incrementally raise the legal age for purchasing cigarettes. This proposed legislation aims to align with public health goals and address the evolving landscape of smoking and vaping habits in England.
Overall, the study underscores the need for a balanced approach to vaping regulations that safeguard both public health and the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as cessation aids. As the vaping landscape continues to evolve, policymakers and health authorities face the challenge of addressing the growing popularity of vaping among individuals who have never been regular smokers.