On August 12, The Independent reported that 11% of UK adults—equating to 5.6 million people—are now using e-cigarettes. This represents the highest level of e-cigarette usage since 2017, according to data from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). The significant rise in e-cigarette use reflects ongoing trends in smoking cessation efforts but also brings to light concerns regarding long-term usage and its implications for public health.
E-Cigarette Use in the UK: Key Statistics
Current Trends
The latest data from ASH, based on a YouGov survey conducted for the public health charity, indicates a marked increase in e-cigarette use across the UK. Notably, 53% of e-cigarette users, or approximately 3 million people, are former smokers. This statistic underscores the growing role of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool. Additionally, the percentage of smokers who also use e-cigarettes has risen sharply, from 17% in 2021 to 32% in 2024, representing 2.2 million people.
Duration of E-Cigarette Use
Among former smokers who currently use or have used e-cigarettes, the median duration of e-cigarette use is two years. Significantly, over half of current e-cigarette users who are former smokers have been using e-cigarettes for more than three years, a considerable increase from the 18% reported in 2017, when the question was first introduced.
Public Perception and Health Concerns
E-Cigarettes as a Smoking Cessation Tool
While experts emphasize that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, they caution that these devices are “not harmless” and should primarily be used as a smoking cessation tool. Hazel Cheeseman, Deputy Chief Executive of ASH, stated, “Smoking remains the leading preventable killer in the UK, and e-cigarettes are one of the many tools that can help smokers quit.”
Public Perception of Harm
Survey data reveals that half of smokers believe e-cigarettes are as harmful, or more harmful, than smoking traditional cigarettes. This belief is particularly prevalent among those who have never used e-cigarettes (60%), whereas only 24% of former smokers who quit within the last five years share this view. This disparity highlights the need for more effective public health messaging to clarify the relative risks of smoking and vaping.
Legislative Developments
Tobacco and E-Cigarette Bill
In July, the Labour government reintroduced the Tobacco and E-Cigarette Bill, which could potentially raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco and ban the sale of tobacco to individuals born after January 1, 2009. The bill may also include restrictions on e-cigarette flavors, packaging, and display, with a focus on preventing youth access to these products.
Government Stance on E-Cigarettes
A spokesperson for the UK Department of Health and Social Care reiterated that while e-cigarettes can be an effective tool for quitting smoking, they are not intended for use by children or non-smoking adults. The government’s position reflects concerns about the rising use of e-cigarettes among young people and the potential for nicotine addiction.
The Need for Balanced Regulation
Protecting Youth and Supporting Smokers
Cheeseman emphasized that proposed e-cigarette legislation should focus on preventing youth from using e-cigarettes, rather than restricting access for adults trying to quit smoking. “In recent years, millions have successfully used e-cigarettes to quit smoking, extending healthy lives and boosting national productivity,” she noted. Stricter regulations are necessary, but they must strike a balance between protecting youth and maintaining e-cigarettes as a valuable smoking cessation tool.
Investment in Smoking Cessation Services
Henry Gregg, Director of External Affairs at Asthma + Lung UK, called for greater investment in local smoking cessation services. These services, which have been severely cut in recent years, are essential for helping people quit smoking for good and mitigating the long-term public health impacts of tobacco use.
The rise in e-cigarette use among UK adults highlights the complex role these products play in smoking cessation. While e-cigarettes offer a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking, concerns about long-term use, public perception, and youth access remain. As the UK government considers new legislation, a balanced approach that supports smokers in quitting while protecting young people from nicotine addiction will be crucial.
FAQs
What percentage of UK adults use e-cigarettes?
As of August 2024, 11% of UK adults, equivalent to 5.6 million people, use e-cigarettes.
How many e-cigarette users in the UK are former smokers?
Approximately 53% of e-cigarette users, or about 3 million people, are former smokers.
What is the government’s stance on e-cigarettes?
The UK government supports the use of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool but advises against their use by children and non-smoking adults.
What legislation is being considered regarding e-cigarettes in the UK?
The Tobacco and E-Cigarette Bill could raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco, ban sales to those born after January 1, 2009, and impose restrictions on e-cigarette flavors, packaging, and display.
How long do former smokers typically use e-cigarettes?
Among former smokers, the median duration of e-cigarette use is two years, with over half of current users having used e-cigarettes for more than three years.
What are the public perceptions of the harm of e-cigarettes?
Half of smokers believe e-cigarettes are as harmful or more harmful than smoking, while this belief is less common among recent former smokers.
