Key facts
- Over 1 million UK adults who never smoked now vape.
- Vaping is seen as a 'mindless action' and 'adult's version of a dummy'.
- Nicotine, present in vapes, is highly addictive.
- Vaping marketing features bright colors and sweet flavors.
- Vaping cessation support is patchy in England.
The number of people in the UK who have never smoked but now vape has risen to over one million, according to recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) data. Vaping, initially seen as a tool to help smokers quit cigarettes, is increasingly being adopted by non-smokers for various reasons, including social influence and psychological dependence.
Gracey Mungulu, 21, started vaping at 16 due to its prevalence among her classmates, describing it as a 'mindless action' and a way to manage social anxiety. Similarly, Malin Andersson, 33, began vaping during a stressful period, finding the physical act comforting. Alex, 26, developed a constant habit after occasionally vaping on nights out.
Experts suggest that while vaping may divert some individuals from smoking, it also exposes others to risks they would not otherwise face. A 2024 UCL study indicated rising nicotine use among young adults in England, with vaping potentially contributing to this trend. The UK government is reviewing vape marketing tactics, including bright colors and sweet flavors, which are seen as attractive to young people.