The rise of youth vaping in Wales is a growing concern for families and communities. According to recent data from …
Quitting smoking is tough, but nicotine patches can make it easier. If you’re thinking about using them, you …
Vaping
Some people turn to vaping as a tool to quit smoking, while others—particularly young people—are drawn to it recreationally. While vaping may be 95% less harmful than smoking, it is not without risks, especially for young people and non-smokers.
What Is Vaping?
Vaping involves using an electronic device, often called an e-cigarette or vape, to inhale vapour created by heating a liquid. This liquid usually contains nicotine, flavourings, and other substances. Unlike cigarettes, vapes don’t burn tobacco, so they avoid harmful chemicals like tar and carbon monoxide.
Although vaping can help people quit smoking, it’s important to note that it is not risk-free, particularly for young people whose brains are still developing.
What's The Issue?
Vaping is a complex topic. On one hand, it offers smokers a safer alternative and a path to quitting; on the other, the rise in youth vaping and the availability of illegal products pose serious concerns. Recent surveys in Wales highlight that:
- Over 6% of adults in Wales use e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.
- 55% of young regular vapers in Wales are using unregulated, illegal products.
- Vaping among young people often begins through peer influence or exposure to brightly packaged, flavoured products marketed in ways that appeal to children.
Why It Matters?
Vaping is not harmless, and its increasing use—especially among young people—raises significant health, social, and economic concerns.
Health Risks
High nicotine levels in vapes can lead to addiction, particularly for young users.
Illegal vapes may contain unregulated, harmful substances, risking long-term health damage.
Regular vaping among young people can affect brain development, leading to concentration and behavioural issues.
Gateway To Smoking
While vaping can help smokers quit, evidence suggests it may also act as a gateway to smoking for young people, normalising the behaviour.
Social Impact
The accessibility of cheap illegal vapes undermines public health efforts and disproportionately affects communities already struggling with health inequalities.
For Smokers
Vaping is estimated to be 95% less harmful than smoking, helping many adult smokers quit.
Adult vapers should gradually reduce nicotine levels to avoid prolonged dependency.
How You Can Help?
You can play a vital role in protecting your community. If you spot illegal vapes being sold, report them through our No Ifs. No Butts. website.
Talk to young people about the risks of vaping, and support friends and family trying to quit smoking or vaping for good. Together, we can create a healthier, safer Wales.
Key Studies on Vaping and Public Health
ASH Wales Youth Vaping Survey (2024):
Over half of regular youth vapers in Wales are using untested, illegal products.
25% of schoolchildren in Wales have tried vaping. Read our insights on protecting young people.
Public Health England
E-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than smoking and have become the UK’s most popular smoking cessation aid.
Comparative Research: UK vs US Trends:
While UK studies suggest limited uptake among non-smokers, US data shows concerns about e-cigarettes as a potential gateway to smoking.
Tobacco Products Directive (TPD)
The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) sets out regulations to improve product safety and ensure consumers are informed about the risks of vaping. Key elements include:
- Nicotine Limits: E-liquids must not contain more than 20mg/ml of nicotine.
- Tank and Refill Size: Disposable e-cigarettes, cartridges, and tanks are limited to 2ml, and refill containers to 10ml.
- Packaging and Labelling: Health warnings must cover at least 30% of the pack, stating, “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.”
- Child Safety Features: Products must be child-resistant and tamper-proof.
- Banned Advertising: No promotional claims or health-related descriptors are allowed in most media formats.
For more detailed information, visit MHRA Guidance.
Key Stats
- 13% of adults in Wales smoke, but 6% now use e-cigarettes as a way to quit (National Survey for Wales 2023).
- Over 55% of young people who vape in Wales are using illegal and unregulated products (ASH Wales Youth Survey 2024).
- 1 in 4 schoolchildren in Wales has tried a vape, with 42% of youth vapers buying them from shops or online.
- Nicotine levels in some illegal vapes exceed five times the UK legal limit, posing high addiction risks.
- E-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than smoking according to Public Health England, but long-term effects are still being studied.
