UCL Warns of “Substantial Consequences” In Disposable Vape Ban
UCL research has determined an estimated 2.6 million people will be affected by the UK government’s disposable vape ban.
A study published in February 2024’s edition of the Public Health journal has concluded 1.2 million current smokers will suffer in the wake of the disposable vape ban, with 1 in 20 adults affected overall.
Funded by Cancer Research UK, researchers from UCL (University College London) studied survey responses from 69,973 adults across the UK between 2021 and 2023.
Although there was a sharp 14.4% increase in disposable vape usage among 18-24 year olds, even sharper increases were seen among smokers (16.3%) and people who had recently stopped smoking (18.2%).
Lead researcher Sarah Jackson, of the UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, forewarns: “While banning disposables might seem like a straightforward solution to reduce youth vaping, it could have substantial unintended consequences for people who smoke.”
Out of the estimated 2.6 million people affected by the disposable vape ban, Jackson reports this would include 316,000 18 to 24 year olds who vape disposables but have never smoked tobacco.
Although a significant and perhaps shocking number, it pales in comparison to the amount of smokers and ex-smokers who will suffer the consequences of the ban.
1.2 million current smokers who would benefit from the complete switch to e-cigarettes will be affected, while an estimated 744,000 ex-smokers will be at risk of relapse.
What’s next for smokers?
Smokers and ex-smokers dependent on disposables are being urged by UCL’s Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care to not return to tobacco products.
Lead author Sarah Jackson said: “In the event of a ban, it would be important to encourage current and ex-smokers who use disposables to switch to other types of e-cigarettes rather than just going back to smoking tobacco.
“In addition, we found disposable use to be particularly prevalent among recent ex-smokers with a history of mental health conditions. This group may require targeted support to help them avoid relapse.”
UCL Professor Jamie Brown has also made clear that people should not confuse the disposable vape ban with the assumption vape products are worse or as bad as cigarettes when it comes to health.
“A ban may discourage use of e-cigarettes among people trying to quit smoking and may induce relapse among those who have already used disposables to quit. Cigarettes are far more harmful to our health and are not currently banned and a ban on disposable e-cigarettes may signal to large numbers of people that these products are worse for our health or that their harm is comparable to that caused by smoking tobacco,” he said.
The Unintended Impact of the Disposable Vape Ban
The UCL study discusses potentially dangerous unintended consequences of the disposable vape ban.
Although the results of the survey do indeed indicate that youth vaping has risen since 2021, banning disposables would not immediately stop those who vape from doing so, despite the fact it’s likely to reduce the number of people taking up vaping.
An E-cigarette contains nicotine, a heavily addictive substance, so a ban on disposable vapes may encourage youths to search for other products containing nicotine, such as cigarettes.
Many of those already vaping may be unable to stop.
The disposable vape ban will also take time to implement – it’s expected to be early 2025 plus a 6 month buffer period – before disposable vapes are off the shelves.
Considering the high rate at which 18-24 year olds have increased their vaping activity since 2021, this could leave a lot more time for youth vaping to take its course, should other prevention measures not be taken in the meantime.
What other measures can be taken according to UCL?
The UCL researchers outline measures that can be taken to strengthen disposable vape regulations, at least in the meantime until the ban comes into effect.
Prohibiting branding and in-shop promotion can be a strong deterrent for children.
Restricting the advertising of disposable vapes in shops can theoretically reduce the number of youths gaining knowledge of e-cigarettes, while blander branding could dissuade the younger generation from wanting to try them.
Furthermore, setting a minimum price unit to ensure disposable vape prices are raised to the level of other vape products could reduce their affordability, and could be implemented quickly.
However, this may also affect one of the key benefits of an e-cigarette compared to a cigarette for smokers – the cheap, affordable price.
It is clear from the study’s findings and discussions that a balance needs to be struck when restricting vaping products.
Summary
Although the disposable vape ban may in fact reduce youth vaping, it is evident from the UCL study that a far greater number of smokers and ex-smokers will suffer consequences.
In fact, there may be many unintended consequences for current youth vapers too, some of whom the ban will not affect, highlighting the need for stronger measures and regulations rather than an outright ban.
With ex-smokers at risk of relapse, and youths at risk of other dangerous substances, it has to be questioned as to whether the disposable vape ban poses more problems than it does answers.
Keep up to date with the latest news and read more about the impact of the UK disposable vape ban.
