Vaping Among Never-Smokers in Great Britain Doubles in Four Years 2026

The proportion of people in Great Britain who vape despite never having smoked has doubled in just four years, according to new Office for National Statistics (ONS) data. More than 1.1 million adults now use e-cigarettes daily or occasionally, a trend health experts call concerning.

ONS Data Reveals Sharp Rise in Never-Smoker Vaping

In 2025, about 5.4 million people aged 16 and above in England, Scotland, and Wales (9.9%) used e-cigarettes daily or occasionally. Vaping was highest among those aged 25-34 (16.4%). However, the most striking finding was the rise among never-smokers: 2.9% (1.1 million) of Britons who had never smoked reported vaping. This is nearly double the 1.5% reported in 2021.

The 2025 figure for Great Britain (1.1 million) is up from 940,000 in 2024. Estimates published in the Lancet Public Health journal in 2024 suggested there were 1,006,000 people in England who vaped despite never having smoked. But the ONS data published on Tuesday was the first time official figures confirmed that the number for England, Scotland, and Wales had topped 1 million.

Health Experts Express Concern

Justin Webb, an associate professor of physical activity and health at London Metropolitan University, said it was “somewhat concerning that 1.1 million people who have never smoked reported using an e-cigarette.” He added: “Vapes can be a useful tool for smoking cessation, but for never-smokers, they introduce unnecessary health risks.”

The rise in vaping among never-smokers is particularly worrying because e-cigarettes are not harmless. They typically contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and other chemicals that can harm the lungs and cardiovascular system. While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, it is not risk-free.

Key Takeaways

• 1.1 million never-smokers in Great Britain now vape, nearly double the 2021 figure.
• Vaping prevalence is highest among 25-34 year olds (16.4%).
• Health experts warn that vaping among never-smokers introduces unnecessary health risks.
• ONS data confirms the milestone for the first time across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Comparison of Vaping Rates Over Time

Implications for Public Health

The doubling of vaping among never-smokers highlights the need for targeted public health interventions. While vaping can help smokers quit, it is important to prevent uptake among those who have never smoked, especially young people. Regulatory measures, education campaigns, and further research are essential to address this growing trend.

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