For the first time in Great Britain, the number of adults using e-cigarettes has exceeded those smoking traditional cigarettes, according to recent data from the Office for National Statistics. This historic shift highlights the changing landscape of nicotine consumption, with vaping becoming more prevalent as smoking rates continue their long-term decline.
The ONS data for 2024 reveals that 5.4 million people aged 16 and over use vapes daily or occasionally, compared to 4.9 million cigarette smokers. This represents 10% of the adult population using e-cigarettes, slightly higher than the 9.1% who smoke. The trend marks a significant departure from a decade ago, when nearly 19% of adults smoked and only 3.7% vaped, indicating a rapid transformation in public habits.
Smoking rates have been falling steadily over the past decades, driven by public health campaigns, smoking bans, and increased awareness of the health risks associated with tobacco. Key measures like the 2006-2007 ban on smoking in enclosed public places, the 2015 prohibition in cars with children, and the 2017 introduction of plain cigarette packaging have all contributed to this decline. Concurrently, vaping has gained popularity, particularly as a smoking cessation tool, with many viewing it as a less harmful alternative.
Health experts emphasize that while vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking, it is not completely harmless. The NHS states that switching to vaping can reduce exposure to thousands of harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke, but the long-term effects are still unknown. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has welcomed the drop in smoking as positive for public health but warns that those still smoking face serious health risks, with smoking responsible for an estimated 70,000 deaths annually in the UK.
Demographic analysis shows that daily vape use is most common among adults aged 25-49, and there has been a notable increase in vaping among women. In 2024, 10% of women reported using e-cigarettes, up from 8.5% the previous year, while male usage decreased slightly to 10.1%. The highest rate of vaping is among 16-24 year olds at 13%, though this is down from 15.8% in 2023, suggesting some success in curbing youth uptake.
Concerns remain about non-smokers and young people taking up vaping, with around 2.7% of current vape users having never smoked. In response, the government has implemented a ban on disposable vapes since June to reduce environmental damage and youth appeal, and is progressing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. This legislation will restrict sales to younger generations, regulate vape packaging and flavors, and make it illegal to sell nicotine pouches to under-18s, aiming to balance harm reduction with prevention.
The broader implications include a need for continued support in communities with high smoking rates, as ASH urges further investment to help those trapped in addiction. The rise in vaping also reflects successful public health strategies but necessitates ongoing monitoring to ensure that reduced smoking rates do not lead to new nicotine dependencies. Future policies will likely focus on refining regulations based on emerging evidence about vaping’s long-term impacts.
Overall, this milestone underscores a pivotal moment in UK public health, where harm reduction efforts are yielding results, but vigilance is essential to navigate the complexities of nicotine use and safeguard future generations from addiction.