Will switching to vaping help me quit smoking?
SMOKING is one of the biggest causes of premature death and illness in the UK, so it’s no surprise that many Brits are looking for alternatives to help kick the habit long-term.
Vapes and e-cigarettes are one of the alternative options that many consider using, but there are still a lot of misconceptions around vaping and its effects.
Vapes or e-cigarettes do contain nicotine along with other chemicals, but the process of vaping doesn’t involve burning tobacco — a key distinction from traditional cigarettes.
Unlike tobacco products, vaping doesn’t involve the combustion of plant material, which reduces the exposure to harmful chemicals associated with smoke.
While vapes have become a popular alternative to smoking in recent years, there is still a lot of misinformation around the potential long-term health risks.
This is also supported by data from Action on Smoking and Health which shows that 43 per cent of smokers believe vaping is equally or more harmful than smoking, a rise of 60 per cent since 2019.
Can vaping be a safer alternative to smoking?
The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) has a wealth of information regarding how vaping can help individuals stop smoking.
The trade organisation recently commissioned a study of 6,000 UK adults, and results shows that 44 per cent of those who vape use single-use devices to help them quit smoking.
In addition, about 50 per cent of participants use fruit flavoured vapes as an alternative to smoking while trying to quit smoking.
While the government is looking at potential measures to ban single use vapes, fruit-flavoured vapes and restrict the appearance of vaping products and packaging, the IBVTA argues “disproportionate regulations” should be avoided.
Marcus Saxton, IBVTA Chair says: “The IBVTA supports proportionate legislation and recognises more needs to be done to stop young people accessing vapes, but further demonising vaping will only increase smokers reticence in making that switch.”
“If the Government wishes to meets its smoke free 2030 ambition (smoking prevalence of 5 per cent or less) it should not be banning single use vaping products and fruit flavours that are vital to smokers in their quit journey.”
The IBVTA firmly believe that vaping can play a part in quitting smoking.
Is vaping in the UK legal and regulated?
Vaping in the UK is legal and regulated.
The UK in particular has embraced a progressive approach to e-cigarettes, viewing them as a harm-reduction tool for smokers.
The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 set out comprehensive regulations for the manufacturing, marketing and sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids.
These regulations ensure product safety, quality standards and accurate labelling, with restrictions on concentration limits of nicotine and restrictions around advertising.
The IBVTA supports legal and regulatory frameworks that reflects a balance between enabling smokers to access less harmful vaping alternatives, while safeguarding general public health.
Explore the facts on vaping
The IBVTA is on hand if you are looking to quit smoking and want to explore the facts on vaping.
For more information about the campaign and the research supporting it, visit www.ibvta.org.uk/explorethefacts.
The IBVTA is the trade organisation for all responsible and ethical independent vape businesses in the UK and exists to give the independent vaping sector a voice with government bodies, regulators and enforcement agencies.
The IBVTA represents the UK’s leading vape manufacturers, importers, distributors, and vendors and has no links to the tobacco industry.