Despite progressive approaches to smoking cessation and the lowest smoking rates on record, a significant number of deaths are still attributed to secondhand smoke. Smoking cessation experts stress that banning disposable pods would be counterproductive.
British MP Andrew Lewer has revealed that in the UK, around 75,000 people die from smoking-related diseases every year, a worrying figure despite being significantly lower than half a century ago. The decline in smoking is due to successful public health campaigns, regulations and the endorsement of safer alternatives such as vaping, smokeless tobacco and nicotine patches. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) data shows that many people are turning to vaping as a means of quitting smoking, contributing to a drop in smoking rates from 21% in 2013 to less than 13% today.
Public Health England has consistently stressed that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking, leading the UK government to see it as a key tool in achieving a smoke-free Britain by 2030. This has also led to the country achieving its lowest recorded smoking rates locally to date.
Banning disposable pods could undo some of the progress the UK has made
Despite this, the UK government has just announced that it will go ahead with its recently proposed ban on disposable vaping products. Experts in the field have opposed the ban, describing it as a misguided policy that could harm public health efforts and exacerbate health inequalities. Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers Alliance (WVA), warned that banning disposable vapes could push current vapers back to more harmful smoking habits or towards the black market, putting the health of millions at risk.
Meanwhile, research from UCL and King’s College London found that the ban could affect around 2.6 million people, slowing the decline in smoking rates and disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups. As such, the ban is seen as counterproductive, limiting the use of a vital tool for smokers to switch to safer alternatives.
The WVA calls on the UK government to reconsider, supporting evidence-based approaches, strong age restrictions and a deeper understanding of vaping motivations , particularly among young people.
Vaping bans lead to increased smoking rates
MP Lewer highlighted the success of harm reduction strategies , citing examples such as New Zealand’s 33% drop in adult smoking after legalising vaping and Australia’s 4.5% increase in smoking after its vaping ban. Similarly, the UK has seen positive results so far thanks to its evidence-based and science-based approach, particularly in areas such as Northampton South, where reduced-risk products have contributed to a significant reduction in smoking.
The UK Vape Industry Association ( UKVIA) has also expressed disappointment at the government’s decision to ban disposable vapes, citing record low smoking rates and the support it has given millions of adults to quit smoking. The association sees the move as a desperate attempt to attract votes ahead of the general election, potentially sacrificing vapers.
UKVIA argues that banning disposable pods could fuel a black market , making it easier for minors to access illegal vapes. The association has stressed that more effective enforcement is counterproductive to tackling youth vaping, and has proposed a licensing scheme to prevent traders from breaking the law.
Referring to research from University College London, UKVIA highlighted that the health organisation calls for a range of flavours, including fruit flavours, to be used to help adults quit smoking, stating: "The use of flavours by adults trying to quit smoking is an integral part of the effectiveness of vaping as a quit aid. The government should restrict flavour descriptions on packaging, not the flavours themselves."
UKVIA has warned that a ban could hand over the regulated vaping market to criminals, citing Australia’s experience with strict regulations leading to a surge in illegal vaping purchases. Economic consequences and an increased burden on the NHS are also predicted, with an increase in the current £2.4bn annual spending on smoking-related conditions expected.
The UK Presses on With Disposable Vapes' Ban Despite the Success Achieved Via Vaping - Vaping Post
