For the first time ever, vaping overtakes smoking among adults in Britain. In 2024, the number of people aged 16 and over who vape has climbed to 5.4 million—surpassing the nation’s 4.9 million smokers. This change is highlighted by fresh data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), marking a historic milestone for nicotine use and public health.

What Do the Numbers Reveal?

The gap between vapers and smokers continues to widen as more people switch from cigarettes to e-cigarettes or disposable vapes. The latest figures show:

• 5.4 million adults vape regularly or occasionally
• 4.9 million adults continue to smoke cigarettes
• The rise in vaping is most notable among younger age groups

This surge reflects changing attitudes toward nicotine and tobacco products across generations.

Why Has Vaping Surpassed Smoking?

The trend of vaping overtaking smoking didn’t happen overnight. Several factors have contributed:

• Health Perceptions: Many see vaping as less harmful than traditional smoking.
• Government Action: Policies like increased tobacco taxes have made cigarettes less accessible.
• Public Campaigns: Efforts by groups like Cancer Research UK help raise awareness of risks tied to smoking.
• Product Availability: E-cigarettes are more widely available and often marketed as cessation aids.

Youth and Disposable Vapes

A major part of this shift comes from young adults and even teens trying disposable vapes. This has raised concerns about addiction but also points to a rapid change in how nicotine is consumed by new generations.

The Health Debate Around Vaping vs Smoking

The rise of vaping brings debate over its safety compared to traditional cigarettes. Many studies suggest that while e-cigarettes eliminate many toxins found in tobacco smoke, they are not risk-free.

• E-cigarettes don’t produce tar or carbon monoxide—the most harmful elements in cigarette smoke.
• The long-term impact of inhaling vaporized chemicals remains unclear.
• The NHS supports vaping as a tool for quitting smoking but cautions against non-smokers taking up the habit.

Anecdote: A Family Gathering Snapshot

This past summer at a family barbecue, someone set their cigarette aside and pulled out a small blue vape pen instead. Within minutes, two cousins followed suit—one even borrowed a flavored disposable from her bag. No one seemed surprised; even older relatives had seen this shift coming as anti-smoking campaigns took hold and shops started selling more vape devices than cigarette packs.

Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Britain?

The fact that vaping overtakes smoking marks a turning point for public health policy—and possibly future generations’ relationship with nicotine. Regulators face new questions about managing underage access and ensuring safety standards while continuing to encourage traditional smokers to quit altogether.

• Tobacco taxes may keep rising as demand drops.
• E-cigarette regulations are likely to evolve rapidly.
• Cessation programs will need updates reflecting new habits.

Your Thoughts?

Banning cigarettes once seemed impossible—now fewer people smoke than ever before as alternatives take hold. Do you think this trend will continue? How should public health agencies respond next?