One million UK adults who have never smoked are now vaping
New UK data shows that over one million people who have never smoked are now using vapes, with the highest usage among 25-34 year olds. While smoking rates continue to decline, the rise in non-smokers vaping has prompted health concerns despite the NHS noting vaping is less harmful than tobacco.
Why it matters
The trend highlights a shift in public health challenges as the UK moves toward a 'smoke-free' generation through new legislation.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, 1.1 million of those who have never smoked say they vape daily or occasionally
More than a million people who say they have never tried a cigarette are now vapers, latest UK data for 2025 reveals , external - up from around 940,000 in 2024.
People aged 25-35 are vaping more than any others, overtaking 16 to 24-year-olds, with 16.4% using e-cigarettes daily or occasionally.
For the second year in a row, more over-16s are using vapes or e-cigarettes than smoking cigarettes, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Meanwhile, the number of smokers in the UK continues to fall to nearly one in 10 adults, or 4.9 million people, down from 5.3 million in 2024, with more over-16s now vaping than smoking at 5.4 million.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in