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.
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July 10, 2024 by talkingretail.com
Smoke signals | In focus: Smoking and smoking alternatives
The tobacco sector, valued at £14bn annually, is dominated by ready-made cigarettes (70% market share), while roll-your-own tobacco holds 30%. The vaping industry is projected to triple in worth by 2025. UK's Tobacco & Vapes bill aims to make the country smoke-free by 2030, impacting convenience stores heavily reliant on tobacco sales. Manufacturers are adapting, with Philip Morris promoting smoke-free alternatives like IQOS Iluma. Cigar sales are growing, and the illicit trade poses challenges. Retailers are advised to diversify offerings, understand value trends, and stock a variety of products, including eco-friendly options.
July 10, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk
New Government for Vaping
The Labour Party formed a new government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, appointing key officials, like Professor Dame Angela McLean and Patrick Vallance, who will influence vape policies. Wes Streeting is the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Labour supports measures to prevent youth smoking, such as restricting vape flavors. The government plans to ban disposable vapes, but some actions, like restricting adult vape flavors, may be counterproductive according to the New Nicotine Alliance. Vape consumers are encouraged to educate newly elected MPs on the benefits of vaping. Contact details for MPs are available online for direct communication.
July 08, 2024 by filtermag.org
The Harm Reduction Role of High-Nicotine Vaping
A study by University College London found a significant increase in higher-nicotine vaping in the UK, particularly at the legal limit of 20 mg/ml. This shift is attributed to the introduction of disposable vapes with stronger nicotine strengths. Research indicates that higher nicotine levels may aid smoking cessation. Users like "David" and Janine highlight the role of high-nicotine vapes in quitting smoking. Taxing based on nicotine strength, as proposed in the UK, may hinder vaping's harm reduction potential and encourage the use of lower-strength liquids. Individuals have varying nicotine needs, with higher levels often beneficial for quitting.
July 08, 2024 by ireland-live.ie
Government told ‘no time to waste’ reviving smoking ban legislation
Over 1,000 health experts urge the government to prioritize phasing out smoking by reintroducing legislation banning young individuals from smoking. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, seen as crucial for public health, had broad support but was shelved due to a General Election. Advocates stress the importance of prioritizing this bill to save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and combat youth vaping. Experts emphasize the urgent need to prevent marketing vapes to children while making them available for adult smokers. The UK has an opportunity to lead globally in eradicating smoking, and experts call on the government to seize this chance.
June 26, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu
Vape ban could lead to MORE young people smoking, study finds
A recent study shows that if vapes were banned or more expensive, more young people might turn to smoking. Even though vaping is less harmful than smoking, many youths see them as interchangeable. There is a misconception about the dangers of vaping versus smoking. Researchers found that enforcing age restrictions and regulating packaging and marketing could help decrease youth vaping. However, there are concerns that strict regulations may lead to increased use of illegal vapes and tobacco among young people. The study, involving 29 youths aged 16-20, emphasizes the need for balanced interventions to address vaping trends.
June 20, 2024 by mirror.co.uk
People using vapes opting for strongest possible e-cigarettesm study shows
Vapers are increasingly choosing high-strength nicotine e-cigarettes, with usage rising from 3.8% to 33% in England by 2024. The trend is more significant among young adults and users of disposable vapes. Research shows high-nicotine options are more effective in smoking cessation. Taxing vaping products based on nicotine could hinder quitting efforts. Experts suggest increasing prices of all vapes to deter underage use while ensuring high-nicotine vapes remain accessible for adult smokers.
June 20, 2024 by independent.co.uk
Users are opting for vapes at the top end of the legal nicotine limit
A study by University College London reveals a sharp increase in vapers using high-strength e-cigarettes. The trend is most notable among young adults and users of disposable vapes. Researchers caution against taxing vaping products by nicotine strength due to potential consequences. They warn that taxing higher-strength vapes could hinder smoking cessation efforts and push users towards lower-strength options. The study emphasizes the effectiveness of high-strength nicotine e-liquids in aiding smoking cessation. The authors advocate for policies that deter underage vaping without discouraging adult smokers from using high nicotine content vapes as quitting aids.
June 17, 2024 by telegraph.co.uk
Vape ban could lead to smoking comeback among children, scientists fear
Scientists warn against a potential increase in youth smoking if e-cigarettes are banned due to the misconception that vaping is as harmful as smoking. The ban's unintended consequences could lead to young individuals turning to tobacco instead. With reduced public health messaging on smoking dangers and sensationalized vaping harms, many youths lack awareness of smoking risks. While vaping can aid smoking cessation, education campaigns are crucial to differentiate between vaping and smoking risks. Clarifying the relative harm levels and promoting vaping as a cessation tool can prevent non-smokers from developing nicotine addiction. Addressing misinformation and advocating for informed decisions on vaping and smoking are essential for public health.
June 07, 2024 by stir.ac.uk
Study suggests novel ways to use e-cigarette packaging to better protect consumers
Study participants found that the current UK-required nicotine addiction warning on e-cigarette packaging was ineffective. They suggested larger warnings, plain packaging, and warnings on the devices themselves to deter use, specifically among young people and non-nicotine users. Potential alternative warnings like messages on harm, risk, or toxicity were explored. Dr. Daniel Jones emphasized the importance of packaging in conveying health messages and the need for further research on effective warning strategies to prevent e-cigarette uptake in vulnerable populations. The research study is titled 'The role of e-cigarette packaging as a health communications tool.'
June 05, 2024 by medicalxpress.com
Study finds methods to quit smoking effective regardless of mental health history
Researchers from University College London and King's College London studied how mental health impacts smoking cessation aids effectiveness. Despite a higher smoking rate among individuals with mental health conditions, surveying over 5,000 participants showed that aids like vaping, varenicline, and heated tobacco products were equally effective for all. Mental health did not affect the success of cessation aids. The study concludes that individuals with mental health conditions can confidently choose any cessation aid. The findings are significant for smokers and healthcare providers in selecting appropriate methods for quitting smoking. The research was recently published in PLOS Mental Health.