Why are more people vaping than smoking in the UK?

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1. 1

   One million UK people who have never smoked are now vaping

   BBC NewsPublished Oct 6, 2026Checked Oct 11, 2026

   “Latest statistics also show, for the second year in a row, more over-16s vape than smoke.”

2. 2

   Changes in the use of e-cigarettes to stop smoking among adults following the rise of disposable vapes: a repeat cross-sectional survey 2016-2023 in England.

   BMJ public health (Kock et al.)Published Jun 28, 2026Checked Oct 11, 2026

   “This trend reversed when disposables became popular (RR=1.20 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.29)), with a relative year-on-year increase in prevalence of 16.5% from June 2021 (from 27.7% in June 2021 to 40.6% in December 2023). Conversely, use of other (non-prescription or specialist support) methods increased by 3.6% per year (RR=1.036 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.06)) before June 2021, before reversing (RR=0.91 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.95)) into a relative yearly decline in prevalence of 5.6% (from 65.4% to 56.6%). Use of prescription/specialist support declined by 12% per year (RR=0.880 (95% CI 0.802 to 0.966)) before June 2021, and there was no apparent change in trend. In aggregate models, for each percentage-point increase in disposable vaping, vape use in a quit attempt (in the subsequent month) rose by ~0.66 percentage points (95% CI 0.05 to 1.26), while use of other methods declined by 0.82 percentage points (95% CI -1.40 to -0.24).ConclusionsIncreasing use of disposable vapes in England was associated with increased vape use and decreased use of other (non-prescription or specialist support) methods in smoking quit attempts.”

3. 3

   Changes in harm perceptions of e-cigarettes compared with cigarettes following the announcement of the disposable vape ban in Great Britain.

   Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (Jackson et al.)Published Jul 1, 2026Checked Oct 11, 2026

   “%] more harmful, 37.5% [35.5%-39.6%] equally harmful, and 12.5% [10.9%-14.3%] were unsure.ConclusionsConcerns that the UK government's 2024 vaping policy announcement would exacerbate worsening trends in negative harm perceptions of e-cigarettes among people who smoke appeared unfounded: the rate of deterioration in harm perceptions actually slowed significantly to June 2025. However, harm perceptions still declined, albeit more slowly, and a large proportion of people who smoke continue to hold misperceptions about the relative harms of e-cigarettes.ImplicationsMisperceptions about the relative harms of e-cigarettes remain common among people who smoke in Great Britain. The slowing of negative trends following the disposable ban announcement suggests the policy announcement did not worsen deteriorating harm perceptions as feared. Nonetheless, with only one in five adults who smoke recognizing that e-cigarettes are less harmful than cigarettes, clear communication from public health bodies, government, and via the media is needed to address ongoing misconceptions. Future research should assess whether implementation of the ban in June 2025 has different effects on harm perceptions.”

4. 4

   Estimation of the global number of nicotine vapers in 2025.

   Global epidemiology (Jerzyński et al.)Published Apr 10, 2026Checked Oct 11, 2026

   “In Stage 1, missing prevalence values were imputed using hierarchical groupings based on World Bank income level, UN subregion, and regulatory status. In Stage 2, prevalence was projected to 2025 for all 198 countries using inflation-adjusted national vaping market size as a growth proxy, applying country-specific ratios where available and regional estimates otherwise. In Stage 3, projected prevalence was combined with UN adult population data to estimate global user numbers.ResultsThe estimated global number of adult nicotine vape users reached approximately 129 million in 2025, up from over 50 million in 2018 and just over 114 million in 2023. Countries without survey evidence contribute only ∼18% of this global approximation in 2025. Growth was concentrated in higher-income countries and less restrictive regulatory environments.ConclusionsAdult nicotine vaping is now a substantial but unevenly distributed global phenomenon, concentrated in specific regulatory and economic contexts. While estimates remain subject to meaningful uncertainty, the results indicate that participation in vaping has reached population-relevant levels in multiple regions.”

5. 5

   Electronic cigarette (Wikipedia)

   WikipediaPublished Oct 10, 2026Checked Oct 11, 2026

   “An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or vape is a device that simulates tobacco smoking. It consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container such as a cartridge or tank. Instead of smoke, the user inhales vapor, often called "vaping". The atomizer is a heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution called e-liquid that cools into an aerosol of tiny droplets, vapor and air. The vapor mainly comprises propylene glycol or glycerin, usually with nicotine and flavoring. Its exact composition varies, and depends on matters such as user behavior. E-cigarettes are activated by taking a puff or pressing a button. Some look like traditional cigarettes, and most kinds are reusable. Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but still has health risks, particularly for those with asthma. Limited evidence indicates that e-cigarettes are less addictive than smoking, with slower nicotine absorption rates. E-cigarettes containing nicotine are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation, but have not been tested as rigorously as nicotine replacement therapy products.”