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Researchers estimate that the number of adults in England who have started vaping despite never having been regular smokers has reached one million, reports BBC. This is a sharp increase since 2020 with disposable having been available since 2021. The study was published in the journal Lancet Public Health journal and funded by charity Cancer Research UK.
The increase is due to young adults between 18 and 24 years who never regularly smoked but now are using e-cigarettes.
Dr Sarah Jackson of University College London (UCL) and lead researcher said that the public-health impact of the “substantial rise” in vaping among people who have never regularly smoked depended on what they would otherwise be doing. She said, “It is likely that some would have smoked if vaping were not an available option.
“In this case, vaping is clearly less harmful.
“However, for those who would not have gone on to smoke, vaping regularly over a sustained period poses more risk than not vaping.”
For the study, researchers looked at surveys of about 150,000 adults in England between 2016 and 2024. Respondents agreed with the statement: “I have never been a smoker – ie smoked for a year or more,” were counted as “never regular smokers”.
And between 2016 and 2020, only 0.5% of these had vaped. However, by April 2024, this had increased to 3.5%, with more than half aged between 18 and 24.
The researchers say that over the last few years, these “never regular smokers” who took up vapes tended to be younger, more were women, and more were drinking at increasing levels, than in the past.
Prof Jamie Brown at UCL and senior researcher said, “These findings are a reminder that action is required to try to minimise vaping among young people who have never previously smoked.
“However, a balancing act is required to avoid deterring smokers from using e-cigarettes to quit.”
Vaping can impact your health in different ways. Here, take a look at some of the ways in which vaping impacts your overall health.
Lung Damage
Vaping can lead to lung inflammation and damage due to harmful chemicals in e-liquids, such as diacetyl, which is linked to serious lung conditions like bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lung).
Nicotine Addiction
Many vaping products contain nicotine which is a highly addictive substance that affects brain development, especially in young adults, leading to dependence and potentially increased smoking risk.
Heart Health
Vaping increases heart rate and blood pressure, thereby, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular issues due to nicotine and toxic substances.
Impact on Immune System
Chemicals in e-cigarettes can weaken the immune system by impairing the body’s ability to fight infections, thereby, making users more susceptible to illnesses like pneumonia.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
E-cigarette aerosol have toxic compounds, including formaldehyde and acrolein, which are linked to cancer and respiratory issues.