London: Vaping is becoming increasingly common among people in the UK who have never smoked cigarettes, with more than one million non-smokers now using e-cigarettes, according to recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey data.
Vaping was initially promoted as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes to help smokers quit. Although vaping nicotine is considered less harmful than smoking, the NHS warns that nicotine is highly addictive and the long-term health effects of vaping remain unclear.
ONS data indicates that around 5.4 million people aged 16 and over vape in Britain, while approximately 4.9 million adults in the UK smoke. The number of smokers continues to decline, even as vaping becomes more widespread. Nearly one in six people aged 25 to 34 in the UK may vape daily or occasionally, according to the survey.
Health experts have raised concerns about nicotine dependence, particularly among young adults who have never smoked. Regular vaping can become a habitual behaviour, while nicotine withdrawal may cause symptoms such as irritability and anxiety.
Research by University College London (UCL) in 2024 found that nicotine use among young adults in England had increased, despite a decline in cigarette smoking.
Not only vaping but also nicotine
Researchers suggest that while some people may have turned to vaping instead of smoking, others may have started using nicotine who would not otherwise have done so.
The marketing of e-cigarettes, including colourful packaging and sweet flavours, has also drawn scrutiny. UK authorities are considering measures to regulate vape marketing and reduce its appeal to children and young people.
Disposable vapes, identified as a key factor in youth vaping, were banned in the UK in 2025. The NHS advises non-smokers and people aged under 18 not to vape. It is illegal to sell vapes to anyone under 18 in the UK.
For people seeking to quit vaping, the NHS recommends gradually lowering nicotine strength, extending the time between vaping sessions or considering suitable nicotine replacement therapy. However, access to professional support remains limited.
A recent survey found that only 45 percent of healthcare providers in England offered support for stopping vaping. Health experts stress that vaping was intended primarily as an alternative for people who smoke cigarettes, rather than a habit for non-smokers to take up.
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