ASH Research on Vaping Among Adults in UK

Action on Smoking and Health UK has released a fact sheet summarizing the findings of its latest research on vaping among adults in the UK. The research analyzes adults’ vaping behavior and preferences. The data shows that in 2023, there are 4.7 million vapors in the UK. 50% of them use pre-filled vapes, 31% use disposable vapes, and 17% choose refillable e-cigarettes.

Number of vapors in UK goes to a record high.

Survey data from ASH shows that the proportion of population using vapes in UK this year is 9.1%, a record high, about 4.7 million adults. Of which 2.7 million (56%) have quit traditional cigarettes. And there are still 1.7 million (37%) ) smoke traditional cigarettes.

What’s more, 320,000 people (1.1%) are current vaping products enthusiasts. Additionally, 6.7% of vape users have never smoked traditional cigarettes.

Why UK smokers using e cigarettes

Reasons for smoking e-cigarettes given by those who quit traditional cigarettes are the followings:

• 31% vapors believe that e cigarettes vape can help them quit smoking.
• 22% of them choose vape pens for preventing relapse.
• 14% UK vapors choose vapes because they like this experience.
• 12% for saving money.

The main reasons for traditional cigarette smokers to use e-cigarettes are the followings:

• 19% traditional cigarette smokers using vape products because they want to reduce smoking.
• 17% smokers using e cigarettes to help quit smoking.
• 13% smokers use vapors to prevent relapse.

The main reason for choosing vapes instead of smoking traditional cigarettes.

• 39% of UK vapors choose vapes because they like this experience.
• 27% of them choosing vaporizer just for trying.

ASH Research on Vaping Among Adults in UK

Main vaping devices the UK vape users are using.

ASH Survey data shows that in terms of devices and products used, the most commonly used type of vaping device remains the pre-filled vape device. With 50% of current vape users reporting this type as their primary device.

In 2022, the use rate of disposable vapes among British adults is 15%. However, this figure rise to 31% in 2023, doubling year-on-year. In addition, 17% of vape users use cartridge-changing vaping devices.

In addition, among adults aged 18-24, the use of disposable vape pens is increasing rapidly. In 2023, more than half (57%) of vape users will use disposables as their main type.

Moreover, the nicotine levels of vape pens which most adults currently use is below 13mg/ml. 1.2% of users are using e-cigarettes of which e-liquids above the legal limit of 20mg/ml. And 13% do not know the e-liquid strength of vapes they are using.

The reason why smokers do not try vaping devices.

ASH study also pointed to the reasons why smokers do not try e-cigarettes:

• 1.8 million (27%) smokers have not try e-cigarettes.
• 20% smokers says they o not want to replace one drug addiction with another.
• 9.0% smokers says they were not addicted to smoking and did not need help to quit smoking.
• 14% of the smokers are concerning about the safety of vapes.
• 13% says they do not believe that e-cigarettes can help them quit or reduce smoking.
• 8.4% says that they don’t know enough about e-cigarettes and vaping.