The use of e-cigarettes among people in England who have never been regular smokers has seen a sharp increase, with one million people now vaping, according to a study published in The Lancet Public Health journal. This represents a seven-fold increase in just three years. The Office for National Statistics also reported that 5.1 million people in Britain use e-cigarettes, with the highest rates among those aged 16 to 24.
Health experts are expressing alarm at the rising number of non-smokers using e-cigarettes, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address this trend. While e-cigarettes have helped many adults quit smoking, concerns remain about the potential health risks, especially among young people and those who have never smoked.
The study found that the increase in vaping among non-smokers was driven by young adults, with one in seven 18- to 24-year-olds now using e-cigarettes. Researchers suggested that stricter regulations on product appearance, packaging, and marketing could help reduce the appeal of e-cigarettes to young people.
While banning disposable vapes may not fully address the issue, experts believe that measures to curb vaping among non-smokers while still supporting smoking cessation efforts are necessary. Additional studies highlighted the potential benefits of accelerating measures to eliminate tobacco smoking, which could lead to increased life expectancy and prevent premature deaths worldwide.
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