A new study published in The BMJ has revealed a significant increase in long-term vaping
among adults in England, with a substantial rise in vaping rates since 2021, particularly
among young adults and those who have never regularly smoked.
According to the study, which analyzed data from the Smoking Toolkit Study, long-term
vaping (more than 6 months) increased from 1.3% in 2013 to 10% in 2023. Daily vaping also
increased from 0.6% to 6.7% during the same period.
The study found that young adults (18-24 years) had the highest rate of long-term vaping,
reaching 23% in 2023. Additionally, half of long-term vapers now mainly use disposable
devices, which has environmental implications.
The researchers suggest that the rise in vaping may be attributed to the increasing
popularity of disposable e-cigarettes, and call for tighter regulation to reduce their appeal
to young people. However, they also acknowledge the need for careful consideration to
avoid discouraging smokers from using vaping products to quit smoking.
The study’s findings have significant implications for public health policy and highlight the
need for continued monitoring of vaping trends and their impact on smoking cessation and
youth addiction.
