Vaping continues to play a significant role in adult smoking behaviour across the UK. As conversations around regulation, safety, and public health evolve, access to accurate, evidence-based information is more important than ever.
To help provide clarity, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has released its latest report on the use of e-cigarettes among adults in Great Britain. The findings offer a detailed snapshot of how and why adults vape, alongside important insights into public perception and smoking trends.
At iBreathe, we are committed to sharing reliable information grounded in reputable research. Below, we summarise the key findings from the ASH report and explain what they mean for adult smokers and vapers in the UK.
How Many Adults Vape in Great Britain?
According to the most recent ASH data:
- Around 10% of adults in Great Britain currently use e-cigarettes
- This equates to approximately 5.5 million people
These figures show that vaping is now a well-established alternative used by millions of adults nationwide.
Smoking Rates Remain Higher Than Vaping
While vaping has grown in popularity, smoking remains a persistent issue:
- 13% of adults in Great Britain continue to smoke cigarettes
- Smoking rates have remained largely unchanged since 2021
This highlights the ongoing need for effective harm-reduction strategies and accurate public information for adult smokers.
Who Is Using Vapes?
One of the most important aspects of the ASH report is its insight into who is vaping.
Among current adult vapers:
- 55% are former smokers
These individuals have stopped smoking entirely and now vape instead. - 40% are dual users
They both smoke and vape.
This data reinforces that vaping is primarily used by adults with a history of smoking, rather than people who have never smoked.
Vaping and Smoking Transition
The findings support the widely recognised role of vaping as a smoking alternative for adults.
Millions of people in Great Britain report using e-cigarettes to reduce or replace cigarette consumption. While vaping is not risk-free, UK public health organisations consistently state that it is significantly less harmful than smoking, largely because it does not involve the combustion of tobacco.
Public Understanding: A Growing Misperception
Despite the evidence, the ASH report highlights increasing confusion around relative harm:
- 53% of smokers believe vaping is as harmful, or more harmful, than smoking
This growing misperception is concerning. When smokers misunderstand relative risk, they may be less likely to switch away from cigarettes or seek alternatives that could reduce harm.
Clear, balanced information remains essential to ensure adults can make informed decisions based on evidence rather than misinformation.
Disposable Vapes: Changing Usage Patterns
ASH also examined trends in device use:
- Disposable vape use peaked in 2023
- Usage has since declined
This shift may reflect changing consumer preferences, environmental awareness, and increased regulatory attention surrounding disposable products.
Why the ASH Report Is Important
The ASH vaping report is one of the most respected and comprehensive sources of data on adult vaping in Great Britain. It helps to:
- Inform public discussion and policy
- Address misconceptions around vaping
- Support evidence-based harm-reduction conversations
For adult smokers, the data reinforces that switching completely from smoking to vaping is a common and established pathway away from tobacco use.
iBreathe’s Approach to Vaping Information
At iBreathe, we believe responsible vaping starts with accurate knowledge. Our aim is to:
- Share information from trusted organisations such as ASH
- Support responsible adult vaping
- Promote factual, balanced discussions around smoking alternatives
We encourage adults who smoke or vape to stay informed, rely on credible sources, and make decisions that are right for them.
Final Thoughts
The latest ASH findings confirm that vaping plays a significant role in adult smoking behaviour across Great Britain. Most adult vapers are current or former smokers, and many have successfully moved away from cigarettes.
At the same time, rising misconceptions about harm highlight the ongoing need for clear, evidence-based education.
By sharing trusted research and factual insights, we aim to help our community better understand vaping and its place in the wider public health conversation.