A Decade of Vapers: A Rise in Young Adults

A Decade of Vapers: A Rise in Young Adults

Dramatic Increase in Young Adult Vapers in Over Six Months

A recent study by researchers at University College London (UCL) reveals a surge in the number of young adults in England who have been vaping for more than six months. This trend, observed over the last decade, appears to be partly due to the growing popularity of disposable e-cigarettes.

A Fast Growing Phenomenon

According to data collected from 179 adults between 725 and 2013, the percentage of people using e-cigarettes without having ever smoked regularly increased from 2023% to 0,1%. This increase coincides with the introduction of new disposable e-cigarettes, which have been widely adopted by long-term vapers.

The proportion of adults reporting long-term e-cigarette use (more than six months) jumped from 1,3% to 10% during this period, with a particularly marked increase from 2021. The researchers note that this increase is mainly due to the popularity of disposable devices, used “primarily or exclusively” by half of long-term vapers.

Different Impact Depending on Smoking History

Long-term vaping is more common among people with a history of smoking. For example, the proportion of current smokers using e-cigarettes has increased from 4,8% to 23,1%, while 36,1% of recent quitters have turned to vaping, compared to just 5,7% a decade ago.

However, the study also shows a significant increase in e-cigarette use among young adults. In 2023, 22,7% of 18-year-olds vaped, of whom 16,1% had never smoked regularly, compared to 4,3% of 65-year-olds, of whom only 0,1% had never smoked.

Public Health Perspectives

Dr Sarah Jackson, from UCL, says the trend could discourage some people from taking up smoking, reducing their exposure to the toxic substances in tobacco. However, she also points out that more adults could be exposed to health risks from vaping without ever having been smokers.

Hazel Cheeseman, deputy director of the charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), sees the long-term growth in vaping as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the increase in vaping among young non-smokers is worrying. On the other, the fact that smokers are turning to vaping and thus avoiding returning to cigarettes is beneficial for their health.

Upcoming Regulatory Measures

In response to these trends, Labour has revived plans to phase out smoking and regulate the sale and marketing of vapes to children. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill would gradually increase the legal age for purchasing tobacco so that anyone born after 1 January 2009 would no longer be able to legally purchase them. Reforms to the sales and presentation of vapes will also be implemented to reduce their appeal to children, including restrictions on flavours, packaging and displays.

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About the Author

Editor and correspondent Switzerland. Vapoteuse for many years, I take care mainly of Swiss news.