New research published in The Lancet Public Health journal has revealed that one million people in England now vape despite never having been regular smokers, a significant increase from previous years. The study found that rates of e-cigarette use among adults who had never regularly smoked remained stable until 2021, when it sharply increased to one in 28 in 2024. Additionally, separate figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate that about one in 10 people in Britain use e-cigarettes, with rates highest among those aged 16 to 24.
Health experts have expressed concern over the rise in vaping among young people and those who have never smoked regularly, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the issue. While vaping has helped many adults quit smoking and is considered less harmful than traditional smoking, high levels of use among young non-smokers raise public health risks.
The researchers behind the study from UCL suggested that banning disposable vapes, as the UK government plans to do, may not fully address the problem, as some brands have already launched reusable products. They recommended stricter regulation on product appearance, packaging, and marketing to deter young people from vaping while maintaining the effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.
Overall, the findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to minimize vaping among young non-smokers while supporting smokers who use e-cigarettes as a cessation tool. The study also highlighted the potential public health benefits of accelerating measures to eliminate tobacco smoking and preventing premature deaths related to lung cancer worldwide.
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