UK Office for National Statistics: Number of Women Using Vapes Daily Has Tripled

The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released data showing that in 2022, 6.7% of women aged 16-24 used vaping devices daily, a significant increase from 1.9% in 2021, with young women surpassing men in vaping usage.

According to government data, the number of young women in the UK using vaping devices daily has more than tripled over the past year. The ONS data indicates that in 2022, 6.7% of women aged 16-24 used vaping devices daily, up from 1.9% in 2021, with young women outpacing men in usage.

The increase in vaping among young women aligns with a recent survey conducted by the UK's National Health Service (NHS), which found that over one-fifth of 15-year-old girls vape, far exceeding the usage rate among their male peers.

The rise in vaping is attributed to the increasing popularity of disposable vaping devices in recent years. These products dominate the vaping market and are sold in flavors like pink lemonade, bubblegum, and watermelon ice, which critics argue make them more appealing to young people.

Other countries have recently taken measures to restrict sales. French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne stated on Sunday that the government will soon propose a national plan to ban disposable vaping devices.

Australia has already banned single-use vaping devices, while New Zealand has prohibited most disposable vaping devices and taken other measures to restrict sales to young people. Germany has banned flavored vaping devices, and Ireland is in discussions to ban disposable vaping devices.

Data shows that in the UK, young women are now more likely to use vaping devices than young men. Among men aged 16-24, 3.6% use vaping devices daily, and 8.7% use them occasionally, while the occasional usage rate among young women rose from 7.1% in 2021 to 12.2% last year.

Data also indicates that the proportion of individuals aged 16-24 who use vaping devices at least occasionally is slightly below one-sixth, an increase from one-ninth in 2021.

Meanwhile, the proportion of smokers has dropped to its lowest level since comparable data began. Among individuals aged 16 and older, only 11.2% reported smoking, down from 12.7% last year, continuing a decline that has persisted since at least 1974.

Amanda Pritchard, CEO of the NHS, stated in June that last year, 40 children in England were hospitalized due to "vaping-related illnesses." These illnesses included lung damage and exacerbated asthma symptoms. This number has increased from 11 in 2021.

Pritchard remarked at the NHS ConfedExpo that vaping "could lead to lung damage." She added, "It is crucial that we address this issue early to ensure that young people do not end up in the hospital and to prevent future health problems."

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed concerns in May during an interview on ITV's This Morning about the potential impact of vaping marketing on his two young daughters.

He stated, "We are considering how to strengthen regulations regarding their marketing, promotion, and appearance. They appear to be targeted at children, which is absurd. I do not want my children to be attracted to these products."

Subsequently, the government announced plans to close a legal loophole that allows retailers and marketing companies to provide free vaping samples to individuals under 18. Since vaping devices are not subject to the same restrictions as tobacco advertising, they are not classified as tobacco products.

References:    【1】 Number of young women vaping daily in the UK more than triples