A survey indicates that vaping has reached record levels, with an estimated 4.3 million Britons already smoking e-cigarettes.
In England, Wales, and Scotland, 8.3% of adults now use e-cigarettes, up from 1.7% or approximately 8,000 people ten years ago.
The data was collected by Action on Smoking and Health, which stated that there has been a “vaping revolution,” with the percentage of vapers who have never smoked cigarettes increasing from 4.9% last year to 8.1% this year.
Approximately 2.4 million vapers are former smokers, 1.5 million are current smokers, and 350 thousand have never smoked.
Based on a survey of 13,000 adults conducted by YouGov and shared with PA, 35% of vapers are also smokers, and 20% have used a vape to help them stop.
While it is unlawful to offer e-cigarettes to minors, the percentage of 11- to 17-year-olds who vape increased from 4% to 7% between 2020 and 2022.
Vapers said that the primary reason they used e-cigarettes was to stop smoking and prevent relapse, while 14% stated that they used vapes “because they love it.”
The majority of vapers reported using refillable tank systems, however, the survey indicates an increase in disposable e-cigarettes, from 2.3% of vapers in 2021 to 15% this year.
48% of vapers between the ages of 18 and 24 use disposable e-cigarettes, according to the study’s authors.
They discovered that apple flavors were the most popular, followed by menthol.
The past decade has witnessed the emergence of a vaping revolution, according to Hazel Cheeseman, ASH’s deputy chief executive officer.
“There are five times as many vapers as there were in 2012, and millions have tried e-cigarettes to quit smoking.
“However, they have not been successful for everyone. Just under half of those who have tried them have quit, while 28% have never used one.
“The government claims that a ‘vaping revolution’ will help them achieve their goal of a smoke-free nation by 2030, but it won’t be enough; we need a comprehensive plan to assist all smokers.”
Earlier this year, a separate ASH investigation indicated that the percentage of children who vape is on the rise, with many being persuaded by TikTok and other social media platforms.
