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Smoking in United Kingdom

The overall smoking prevalence in the United Kingdom has reduced significantly since 2011. 12.9% of the adult population in the United Kingdom are current smokers, down from 20.2% in 2011. This means there are now approximately 6.4 million smokers in the country. 14.6% of men smoke, whilst 11.2% of women are current smokers. The most recent data show there were 114,513 annual deaths attributable to tobacco smoking (approximately 51,700 women and 62,800 men). The annual percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 18.87% (women: 16.9%; and men: 20.5%). Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in the United Kingdom and there are 3.6 million vapers in the country, giving an adult vaping prevalence of 6.4% (women: 5.6%; and men: 7.2%). There is a requirement to ensure vape packaging contains a health warning, there are no restrictions on the range of flavours available and they can only be sold to those 18 and older. Vaping devices can be purchased without a prescription and there are no legal restrictions on their use in public places. Heated tobacco products (HTP) are allowed to be used and can be marketed, but the situation is more complicated for snus. While it is illegal to import snus for trade or buy the product online, it is possible to import it for personal use. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products can be marketed and are available to buy in many general shops without a prescription. The NRT market in the United Kingdom is worth €165.4 million. For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.

Read articles from United Kingdom

October 04, 2024 by dentistry.co.uk

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Fewer than one in 10 (9.8%) young adults in the UK currently smoke cigarettes, the data found. This is a steep decline from records 12 years ago, which found that a quarter of 18 to 24-year-olds were smokers. In addition, only 11.9% of UK adults smoked cigarettes in 2023 – down from 20% in 2011, and the lowest level since the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) records began in 2011. The data also found that vaping continues to rise, with a 9.8% of adults aged 16 and over (5.1 million) vaping in 2023. Hazel Cheeseman chief executive of public health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). Following the release of this data, she said: ‘Today’s figures are further proof that the country is ready to be smoke-free.

October 04, 2024 by bbc.com

Is vaping bad for you and how are the rules changing?

The popularity of vaping is on the rise, especially among young people. While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, it can still have negative effects on health. The UK government is tightening regulations on vapes, aiming to curb underage use and reduce environmental impact. Vaping is recommended as a smoking cessation tool, with face-to-face support doubling success rates. The new rules include a ban on disposable vapes by 2025 and taxing vaping products by 2026. Labour supports these measures to promote a smoke-free generation and protect public health. Efforts are also being made to address the environmental impact of disposable vapes, as recycling rates remain low.

October 03, 2024 by mirror.co.uk

One million people who never regularly smoked now vape, study shows

Research shows a significant rise in never-smokers vaping since 2021, with one million individuals who never regularly smoked now using e-cigarettes, mostly young adults. While vaping among young non-smokers is a concern, e-cigarettes can help smokers quit. Stricter regulations on marketing and product appearance are suggested. The study also highlights the need for a balanced approach to prevent youth vaping without discouraging smokers from using e-cigarettes. Banning disposable vapes may not effectively address the issue as some brands offer reusable options. In England, vaping among never-regular-smokers increased from 0.5% to 3.5% by 2024, with potential health impacts depending on individual behaviors.

October 03, 2024 by independent.co.uk

One million in England now vape despite never having been regular smokers

A recent study found a significant increase in non-smokers vaping in England, especially among young adults. Despite a rise in vaping since 2021, the trend has leveled off since early 2023. Experts suggest stricter regulations on product appearance, packaging, and marketing to deter younger individuals. Banning disposable vapes may not solve the issue as reusable products are already available. The study showed a particular increase in vaping among heavy drinkers. The impact of this rise in vaping on public health depends on whether individuals would have smoked otherwise. Regulations to minimize vaping among non-smokers while supporting smokers who use e-cigarettes for cessation are recommended.

October 03, 2024 by thegrocer.co.uk

Number of vapers in England who didn’t previously smoke rockets to one million, finds new research

The popularity of vaping among non-smokers in England has surged, with around one million adults who never smoked now vaping daily, largely due to disposable devices. The rise, especially among young adults, raises concerns about nicotine addiction. A study revealed a shift in vaper demographics towards younger individuals using disposable vapes and high-strength nicotine liquids. While vaping helps some quit smoking, it poses risks for others. Efforts to regulate vaping appeal to youth are underway, with debates on enforcing restrictions and banning flavors in the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Concerns persist about preventing vape use among youth and non-smokers.

October 03, 2024 by bnnbloomberg.ca

One Million Vapers in England Had No Smoking History, Study Says

A study shows an increase in non-smoking adults vaping in England, likely due to the popularity of disposable vapes. Vaping among this group rose to one in 28, driven by young adults and higher alcohol consumers. Among 18-24 year-olds who never smoked, one in seven now vape, with a rise in disposable device use. The study suggests the need for action to reduce vaping among young people, as e-cigarettes, while not containing tobacco, still pose health risks like nicotine addiction and physical symptoms. Recommendations include stricter regulation on product appearance and marketing.

October 03, 2024 by thelancet.com

Vaping among adults in England who have never regularly smoked: a population-based study, 2016–24

E-cigarettes are increasingly used by smokers and ex-smokers, often to support smoking cessation, but also among those who have never regularly smoked. The aim of our study is to estimate time trends in vaping prevalence among adults who have never regularly smoked and describe the profile of adult never-regular-smokers who vape. The number of adults in England who vape but have never regularly smoked rose rapidly between 2021 and 2024, particularly in younger age groups and most of these individuals reported vaping regularly over a sustained period.

October 03, 2024 by theguardian.com

One million people in England vape despite never having smoked regularly, study finds

One million people in England now vape without having been regular smokers, a seven-fold increase in three years, raising health concerns. The Lancet study shows a rise in non-smokers using e-cigarettes, especially among young adults. Experts urge stricter regulations to prevent youth vaping, despite acknowledging vaping benefits for smokers trying to quit. Banning disposable vapes may not solve the issue, as reusable products already exist. Another study suggests accelerating anti-smoking measures to save lives. The Department of Health emphasizes the need to protect non-smokers, highlighting the importance of the Tobacco and Vapes bill in safeguarding public health.

October 03, 2024 by euronews.com

One million people in England who never regularly smoked are now vaping

A survey in England shows a significant rise in non-regular smokers turning to vaping, with 1 million new adult vapers. The increase, driven by young adults, is sevenfold since 2021. Research suggests that some vapers might have smoked if vaping wasn't an option, making vaping less harmful than smoking for them. Heavy drinkers are more likely to vape, similar to smoking tendencies. Efforts are needed to limit vaping in adolescents, but if adults switch to vaping from smoking, it could be positive. The UK government faces a challenge in regulating e-cigarettes to balance discouraging non-smokers from vaping while supporting smokers using it to quit.

October 02, 2024 by bbc.com

Steep fall in young smokers in past decade

Smoking rates among young adults in the UK have significantly decreased over the past decade. In 2023, 11.6% of adults in England smoked, down from 20% in 2011. E-cigarette use is on the rise, especially among 16-24 year-olds. Legislation is being developed to make England "smoke free" by 2030. While e-cigarettes can help smokers quit, the long-term health effects, especially for non-smokers, remain unclear. Tighter regulations on e-cigarette marketing and sales, as well as a ban on disposable vapes, are planned to deter use by teenagers. Although vaping is less harmful than smoking, non-smokers are cautioned against starting.