Vaping Among Never-Smokers in Great Britain Doubles

The proportion of individuals in Great Britain who vape but have never smoked regularly has doubled in the past four years, reaching over 1 million people. This trend, described as concerning by health experts, indicates a significant shift in vaping demographics. In 2025, approximately 5.4 million people aged 16 and above across England, Scotland, and Wales reported using e-cigarettes either daily or occasionally. This figure represents 9.9% of the adult population in these regions. The data, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), highlights that vaping prevalence was highest among the 25-34 age group, with 16.4% in this demographic reporting e-cigarette use. The ONS is the primary independent producer of official statistics in the United Kingdom, providing data and analysis on a wide range of social and economic issues. Their figures are crucial for understanding public health trends and informing policy decisions. The increase in vaping among never-smokers raises public health questions regarding the long-term effects of e-cigarette use on individuals who have no prior history of nicotine addiction through traditional cigarettes. Health organizations often express concern about the potential for e-cigarettes to act as a gateway to smoking or to lead to nicotine dependence in new user groups. While e-cigarettes are often promoted as a tool to help current smokers quit, the rising numbers of never-smokers engaging in vaping suggests a broader uptake beyond cessation efforts. This demographic shift necessitates further research into the motivations for vaping among non-smokers and the potential health consequences they may face. The data from the ONS provides a critical snapshot of this evolving public health landscape, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and evidence-based interventions. The specific age group of 25-34 years showing the highest prevalence suggests that vaping is particularly appealing to young adults, a demographic that has historically been a focus for public health campaigns related to smoking and nicotine use. Understanding the drivers behind this trend is essential for developing targeted public health strategies. The rise in vaping among those who have never smoked is a complex issue with implications for public health policy, youth prevention efforts, and the overall understanding of nicotine addiction in the modern era. The ONS data serves as a vital resource for researchers and policymakers grappling with these challenges.