Rachel V Thomas

Around 4.9 million people aged 18 years and over (9.8%) smoked cigarettes in the UK in 2025, down from 10.6% in 2024, continuing the long-term decline in smoking, according to the latest report from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (<span>ONS</span>).

But as smoking rates fall, vaping has become increasingly common. In Great Britain, around 5.4 million people aged 16 years and over (9.9%) used an e-cigarette daily or occasionally in 2025, according to the ONS Opinions and Lifestyle Survey.

For the second consecutive year, e-cigarette use was higher than cigarette smoking. In 2025, there were around:

<ul><li>5.4 million current e-cigarette users</li><li>4.8 million current <span rel="noindex">smokers</span></li></ul>

The proportion of adults using e-cigarettes has also increased over the longer term, rising from 6.4% in 2020 to 9.9% in 2025.

<h2>Vaping Highest Among 25-34-Year-Olds</h2>

<strong>Also read</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/fda-to-speed-up-approval-process-for-vapes-nicotine-pouches-does-it-mean-they-are-safer-than-cigarettes-article-156217251" data-type="tilCustomLink">FDA To Speed Up Approval Process For Vapes &amp; Nicotine Pouches: Does It Mean They Are Safer Than Cigarettes?</a>

E-cigarette use was highest among people aged 25 to 34 years, with 16.4% reporting daily or occasional use.Overall, 6.5% of people aged 16 and over reported vaping daily in 2025, slightly down from 6.7% in 2024. Another 3.4% reported occasional use, up from 3.3%.

The ONS data also show that vaping is not limited to current smokers. In 2025, 7.2% of people reported having previously used an e-cigarette, up from 6.6% in 2024, while the proportion who had never used one fell slightly from 83.4% to 83.0%.

Vaping is often perceived as a cleaner alternative to smoking because e-cigarettes do not burn tobacco. However, the aerosol produced by these devices can contain substances that may affect the lungs and cardiovascular system.

Unlike harmless water vapour, e-cigarette aerosol may contain:

<ul><li><span rel="noindex">Nicotine</span>, which is highly addictive</li><li>Heavy metals, including lead, nickel and tin</li><li>Volatile organic compounds, some of which can be harmful</li><li>Flavoring chemicals, which may have different effects when inhaled</li><li>Ultrafine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs</li></ul>

“Inhaling these substances directly into the lungs introduces not just nicotine, but also numerous potentially carcinogenic and lung-damaging compounds,” said Dr. Arun Chowdary Kotaru, Head and Senior Consultant of Pulmonology &amp; Sleep Medicine.

“This is not harm reduction—it’s harm diversification.”

<h2>Why Are Non-Smokers Turning To Nicotine?</h2>

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Vaping was initially promoted as a smoking-cessation aid and is generally considered less harmful than smoking combustible cigarettes. However, e-cigarettes are not risk-free.

The concern is particularly relevant for people who have never smoked. For them, taking up vaping can introduce a new source of nicotine exposure and dependence rather than replacing an existing smoking habit.

“Vaping is not harmless,” warns Dr. Arun. “Even if it may contain fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes, it still delivers a cocktail of harmful substances that are anything but safe.”

Nicotine exposure is also a concern for adolescents because the brain continues developing into the mid-20s.

“The teenage brain is still developing until around the age of 25,” explains Dr. Kotaru. “Nicotine interferes with areas responsible for learning, impulse control, and mood regulation. Early exposure can also set the stage for a lifelong struggle with addiction, increasing vulnerability to other substance abuse later in life.” <strong>.</strong>

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Around 4.9 million people aged 18 years and over (9.8%) smoked cigarettes in the UK in 2025, down from 10.6% in 2024, continuing the long-term decline in smoking, according to the latest report from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS).But as smoking rates fall, vaping has become increasingly common. In Great Britain, around 5.4 million people aged 16 years and over (9.9%) used an e-cigarette daily or occasionally in 2025, according to the ONS Opinions and Lifestyle Survey.For the second consecutive year, e-cigarette use was higher than cigarette smoking. In 2025, there were around:5.4 million current e-cigarette users4.8 million current smokersThe proportion of adults using e-cigarettes has also increased over the longer term, rising from 6.4% in 2020 to 9.9% in 2025.Vaping Highest Among 25-34-Year-OldsAlso read: FDA To Speed Up Approval Process For Vapes & Nicotine Pouches: Does It Mean They Are Safer Than Cigarettes?E-cigarette use was highest among people aged 25 to 34 years, with 16.4% reporting daily or occasional use.Overall, 6.5% of people aged 16 and over reported vaping daily in 2025, slightly down from 6.7% in 2024. Another 3.4% reported occasional use, up from 3.3%.The ONS data also show that vaping is not limited to current smokers. In 2025, 7.2% of people reported having previously used an e-cigarette, up from 6.6% in 2024, while the proportion who had never used one fell slightly from 83.4% to 83.0%.What’s In A Vape?Vaping is often perceived as a cleaner alternative to smoking because e-cigarettes do not burn tobacco. However, the aerosol produced by these devices can contain substances that may affect the lungs and cardiovascular system.Unlike harmless water vapour, e-cigarette aerosol may contain:Nicotine, which is highly addictiveHeavy metals, including lead, nickel and tinVolatile organic compounds, some of which can be harmfulFlavoring chemicals, which may have different effects when inhaledUltrafine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs“Inhaling these substances directly into the lungs introduces not just nicotine, but also numerous potentially carcinogenic and lung-damaging compounds,” said Dr. Arun Chowdary Kotaru, Head and Senior Consultant of Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine.“This is not harm reduction—it’s harm diversification.”Why Are Non-Smokers Turning To Nicotine?      Vaping was initially promoted as a smoking-cessation aid and is generally considered less harmful than smoking combustible cigarettes. However, e-cigarettes are not risk-free.The concern is particularly relevant for people who have never smoked. For them, taking up vaping can introduce a new source of nicotine exposure and dependence rather than replacing an existing smoking habit.“Vaping is not harmless,” warns Dr. Arun. “Even if it may contain fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes, it still delivers a cocktail of harmful substances that are anything but safe.”Nicotine exposure is also a concern for adolescents because the brain continues developing into the mid-20s.“The teenage brain is still developing until around the age of 25,” explains Dr. Kotaru. “Nicotine interferes with areas responsible for learning, impulse control, and mood regulation. Early exposure can also set the stage for a lifelong struggle with addiction, increasing vulnerability to other substance abuse later in life.” .

5.4 million over-16s now vape in britain: why e-cigarettes may not be safer

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