The BBC recently published an article discussing the global rise of vaping, which utilises the evidence found in the recently published research and analysis review from Public Health England (PHE) alongside the information from the latest global trends report from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The Rise in Popularity of Vaping
E-cigarettes are becoming more and more popular among adults worldwide, with the number of vapers going from 7 million in 2011, up to 35 million in 2016, and those numbers are still on the rise.
PHE has found that in 2018, 6% of the adult population in England are vapers, with 99% of these vapers being current or ex-smokers, and only 1% being ‘never smokers’. This evidence suggests that the fear that vaping could cause those who have never smoked to pick up a nicotine habit are unfounded, and the vast amount of vapers are using e-cigarettes for their desired purpose, as a stop smoking aid.
Why Do People Vape?
Global surveys have identified the five main reasons for e-cigarette use, the main one being that they are less harmful than cigarettes. It is fantastic that the main reason given for using an e-cigarette, accurately reflects the intention behind the devices.
This also demonstrates the fact that more and more people over the past few years have become aware of the positive health implications of switching from smoking to vaping, and fewer people are falsely believing that vaping is just as harmful as cigarettes.
The other reasons for using an e-cigarette include; helping to cut down on smoking, that it doesn’t bother other people as much as smoking, that fewer places have banned vaping and that e liquids are available in a variety of flavours.
Where Do People Buy Their Devices?
One of the really interesting findings that is highlighted in the BBC article is that the most popular way to purchase an e-cigarette or the associated paraphernalia, such as coils and e-liquid, is in a specialist vape shop.
While many high street retailers are struggling to compete with the growing online market, vapers show a preference for buying their devices and refills in person. There is now an estimated 2000 specialist vape shops in the UK, and this number is growing year on year.
While many people prefer to shop for their groceries and clothing online and enjoy the convenience of home delivery, being able to see the device first hand, sample different e-liquids, and have a member of staff explain and demonstrate how to properly set up and use an e-cigarette is a luxury the vaping market is really taking advantage of.
With the global vaping market growing so rapidly, and studies releasing positive research relating to health benefits of vaping over smoking all the time, now is a great time to make the change from smoking to vaping.
If you would like some advice or to get some help finding the right vape kit for you, pop in to one of our 25+ UK vape shops. If you are unable to pop in to a store, head to our website to shop products and check out our blog for more advice, vaping news and reviews.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44295336
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/e-cigarettes-and-heated-tobacco-products-evidence-review/evidence-review-of-e-cigarettes-and-heated-tobacco-products-2018-executive-summary#use-of-e-cigarettes-in-adults
https://www.who.int/tobacco/publications/surveillance/trends-tobacco-smoking-second-edition/en/
