A young adult holding a disposable vape device, set against a backdrop of a bustling urban environment. The scene captures the rise in long-term vaping among youth, with a focus on the vibrant colors of the vape clouds and the sleek design of modern e-cigarettes.
Vaping has become a central topic in public health discussions, particularly in England, where the trend has undergone significant changes over the last decade. A recent study highlights a stark increase in long-term vaping, defined as more than six months of use, especially since 2021. Researchers attribute much of this rise to the introduction of disposable e-cigarettes, which have become especially popular among young adults.
One of the study’s lead researchers, Dr. Sarah Jackson, from the UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, notes: “Our results show there has been an exceptionally steep rise in the number of young adults vaping for more than six months since new disposable e-cigarettes were introduced to the market.” She further adds that while vaping can help people quit smoking, the trend among those who have never smoked is particularly concerning.
The research involved data from 179,725 adults who participated in the Smoking Toolkit Study, a nationally representative survey collecting detailed information on nicotine product use. Between 2013 and 2023, the percentage of adults in England who vaped long-term rose from 1.3% to 10%. This sharp increase was most evident after 2021, when disposable devices gained popularity.
Changing Patterns of Use The types of vaping products being used have also shifted dramatically over time. Dr. Jackson highlights that half of long-term vapers now exclusively use disposable devices, which has raised environmental concerns due to the disposal of single-use products. The study found that long-term vaping is more prevalent among men, though by 2023, the rates had leveled between men and women.
A particularly troubling trend is the increase in vaping among individuals who have never smoked. Professor Jamie Brown, also of UCL, expressed concerns: “While most long-term vapers have a history of smoking, rates have also increased among those who have never regularly smoked.” He warns that, for these individuals, sustained vaping could result in more harm than if they had neither smoked nor vaped.
Public Health Implications The rise in vaping among young adults has been steep. The study found that 23% of 18-year-olds are now long-term vapers, compared to just 4.3% of those aged 65 and older. While vaping can act as a smoking cessation tool, the increasing use among individuals with no smoking history suggests that vaping is becoming a habit in itself, rather than a tool for quitting smoking.
Professor Brown emphasizes the need for policy changes that strike a balance between reducing youth uptake and ensuring that vaping remains available as a smoking cessation tool for adults. “New vaping policies are needed to curb youth vaping in England but must be balanced to avoid discouraging smokers from using vaping products to quit smoking,” he said.
Environmental Concerns and Future Policies The environmental impact of disposable e-cigarettes is another pressing issue. The study underscores that the widespread use of single-use devices could lead to significant environmental harm. Dr. Jackson and her colleagues call for more flexible policies that can adapt as the vaping landscape evolves.
“We need regulations that allow recalibration as required,” Brown suggests, adding that flexible policies are key to ensuring vaping remains an effective smoking cessation tool without contributing to nicotine dependence among non-smokers.
Citation:
Jackson SE, Tattan-Birch H, Shahab L, Brown J. Trends in long term vaping among adults in England, 2013-23: population based study. BMJ. 2024;386.
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