A new study has warned that a UK-wide ban on disposable vapes, set to come into force today, could have a devastating impact on public health. The research, which involved 750 adults in the UK, found that nearly half of vapers plan to return to lethal smoking if all vapes are banned.
The disposable vape ban is intended to stop young people engaging in the harmful habit, but the study suggests it may actually drive more people towards smoking. A quarter of participants admitted they have no plans to change their vaping habits, despite the upcoming ban.
The Government’s move could also undermine its progress towards a smoke-free Britain, with thousands of vapers facing a sudden need for alternative products. The ban is expected to lead to an estimated 378,000 people quitting vaping but could see up to 200,000 more people take up smoking.
Critics argue that the ban feels like a missed opportunity and could drive people towards other tobacco products instead. Richard Sloggett, author of the modelling study, said: “The Government needs to get on the front foot and commit to a national mass media anti-smoking campaign to help ensure that those using disposable vapes do not turn to smoking instead.”
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14765401/life-threatening-risk-vaping-ban-prison.html