For the first time on record, the number of adults in Great Britain who vape has overtaken those who smoke traditional cigarettes, marking a significant shift in the nation's nicotine habits. New figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on November 4th show that 10% of adults (approximately 5.4 million people) reported daily or occasional e-cigarette use in 2024.
In comparison, the rate of current cigarette smoking fell to 9.1% (around 4.9 million people), its lowest level since records began in 2011. This decline is particularly steep among young adults aged 18-24, where smoking rates have plummeted from 25.7% in 2011 to just 8.1% in 2024.
However, the rise in vaping is not without concern. Vaping is now most common in the 16-24 age group, with 13% reporting use. Public health specialist Professor John Ashton cautioned that "many people are vaping but haven’t stopped smoking," highlighting the issue of dual use. He also stressed that the long-term health effects of vaping remain unknown and that youth uptake is a growing concern, underscoring the complexity of this public health transition.
