Vapers overtake smokers for first time in Britain

"For the first time in Great Britain, there are more over-16s using vapes or e-cigarettes than smoking cigarettes, according to the Office for National Statistics. Some 5.4 million adults use vapes daily or occasionally, compared with 4.9 million using cigarettes, an ONS survey for 2024 suggests. Daily use of vapes is most common among 25-49 year olds, with rising use among women. The popularity of cigarette smoking has been falling for the past decade as the harmful effects of tobacco encouraged many to quit, while less risky vape use has been rising - particularly among younger age groups."

"Vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking, the NHS says, since cigarettes release thousands of chemicals when they burn, many of which are poisonous and can cause cancer. Switching to vaping reduces those risks."

"The number saying they've given up smoking has risen - 74.2% in 2024, up from 70.3% in 2023. Back in the 1970s, less than 30% had quit the habit. At that time, nearly half of the population were smokers. But much has changed since then. In 2006-2007, a ban on smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces was introduced and in 2015, a ban on smoking in cars with children was brought in. More recently in 2017, plain cigarette packaging was introduced. And government legislation currently progressing through parliament will soon mean anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will not be legally allowed to buy tobacco in the UK."

Office for National Statistics data show 5.4 million adults in Great Britain use vapes daily or occasionally, compared with 4.9 million adults who smoke cigarettes. Around 10% of adults aged 16 and over use an e-cigarette every day or occasionally, slightly more than the 9.1% who currently smoke; daily vaping is most common among 25–49 year olds and is rising among women and younger age groups. Vaping carries a small fraction of the risks of smoking because cigarettes release thousands of poisonous chemicals when burned, and switching to vaping reduces those risks. Smoking quit rates rose to 74.2% in 2024 from 70.3% in 2023. Recent and upcoming measures — including public smoking bans, plain packaging, a planned generational tobacco sales ban, and tighter rules on vape packaging and display — aim to reduce harm and discourage youth uptake.

Read at www.bbc.com