Exploring the accessibility of vapes to young people and adults across the UK

Abstract

Executive summary: Tobacco remains the biggest cause of cancer and premature death in the UK causing around 75,800 deaths each year. With smoking accounting for nearly twice as many cancer cases in lower income groups compared to higher income groups, it is crucial to ensure equitable access to smoking cessation tools for those looking to quit. Current evidence indicates that legal vapes (also known as e-cigarettes) pose a small fraction of the risks of smoking and can be a useful tool to help people quit smoking. However, they also often contain nicotine, which is a very addictive substance, so the increase in the use of vapes in people who have never smoked and young people under 18 that has been reported in the UK is of concern. The Khan review recommended increasing accessibility by offering vapes as a quitting tool to all people who smoke and providing free pack exchanges in deprived communities. However, it is potentially concerning that changes in the UK vape market and retail environment have occurred alongside a known increase in uptake of vaping among people who have never smoked, particularly young people. Policy should seek to preserve access to vapes for people who smoke and want to use them as a quitting tool but protect young people and those who have never smoked against the potential harms of vaping. Policy development should therefore be informed by evidence on the experience of users and perceptions of access, as well as the retail environment of vapes.