A new study estimates that between 2012 and 2019, a 20% reduction in the number of smokers was attributable to vaping. The findings also suggest that vaping over that period is projected to prevent more than 165,000 premature deaths between now and 2052.
In England, smoking rates have been heading in the right direction for a number of years. Current smoking prevalence in the UK is estimated to be below 15%; the lowest rate since records began. In 2009, 21% of adults in the UK were smoking, so the decline over the past decade has been dramatic.
Incidentally, e-cigarettes first hit the market in slightly primitive form in 2008, just as this sharp decline began, and have grown rapidly in popularity. Whilst this clear correlation suggests the hugely positive impact that vaping has had on smoking rates, some vape sceptics conject that this impact would have occurred even without e-cigarettes. However, a new study soon to be published in the academic journal Addiction examines the impact e-cigarettes have had compared with a trajectory projected as if vaping had not been available.
20% reduction in the number of smokers is attributable to vaping
The study was conducted by Georgetown University, Washington DC and backed by University College London (UCL) and King’s College London. The authors consisted of leading researchers from the USA and UK, including Professor David T Levy, Professor Ann McNeill and Dr Jamie Brown. The results are firmly reassuring for the vaping industry and advocates of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid.
The results show that 20.2% of males and 20.4% of females have quit smoking with the cause indirectly linked, but very firmly attributable to vaping. The most impressive category reduction attributable to vaping was seen in 18 – 24 year-old females. Compared with the non-vaping forecast, an extra 31.7% reduction in smoking prevalence was experienced in this demographic. Smoking rates for 18 – 24 year-old males were also subject to an impressive vaping-attributable decline of 27.2%.
The projected decline in smoking rates over this period will show remarkable benefits by 2052. The researchers estimate that the reduction in smoking rates from 2012 to 2019 through e-cigarettes will mean more than 165,000 premature smoking-related deaths are averted in England.
As vapers and vaping advocates, we can see first-hand the positive impact that e-cigarettes have had on former smokers’ lives. However, these anecdotal success stories must be substantiated in order to encourage positive policies and further endorsement of e-cigarettes. It is therefore good to see researchers quantifying the success of vaping. However, the job is not done yet, as there are still millions of smokers in the UK. The full potential of vaping is yet to be realised, so we hope to see further support from public health and government bodies to allow this to happen. Impressive results shown in studies like this one are certainly a step in the right direction in achieving this and will hopefully lead to a further reduction in the number of smokers.
If you’re a smoker who is looking to quit with the help of an e-cigarette, or you know someone who is, then head to www.totallywicked.co.uk or visit one of our dedicated retail stores. Totally Wicked Team Members are smoking cessation trained by NCSCT, so can help support you throughout your stop smoking journey.
News from: https://www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk/vaped/vaping-will-prevent-at-least-165000-premature-deaths-in-england-by-2052/