The popularity of disposable e-cigarettes or vapes has fallen ahead of aUK-wide banon their sale on 1 June, a study suggests. The percentage of people aged 16-24 who mainly use disposable vapes has dropped by nearly half in the last year from 63% to 35%, University College London (UCL) researchers say. But researchers believe vape users are switching to refillable and rechargeable vapes in anticipation of the ban – instead of giving up. As a result they warn the ban may only have a "limited impact" on vaping rates as it found vaping in general stalled between January 2024 and 2025 in all adults over 16 after several years of significant growth. The UK government ban on disposable and single-use vapes is aimed at stopping littering as, in most cases, the vapes cannot be recycled and often end up in landfill or pollute natural environments. The ban is also aimed at tackling rising rates of youth vaping and protecting children from harm. GP Dr Helen Wall told BBC Breakfast that NHS advice is "very clear" that vaping should be used as a means to stop smoking. "But for people who have never smoked, and for young people particularly, to turn to vaping can be quite detrimental," she said. "Our young people are becoming quite addicted. It's affecting their concentration, they're becoming agitated, their capacity to learn is affected, their developing brain can be affected." The UCL study looked at survey data on vaping habits in England, Wales and Scotland both before and after the ban was announced. The study used data from the Smoking Toolkit Study, which collected data on 88,611 people aged 16 and over. Before the ban, between January 2022 and January 2024, vaping among those aged 16 and over went up from 8.9% to 13.5%. In young adults aged 16-24, usage increased more sharply, from 17% to 26.5%. After the ban was announced, researchers found a decline in the number of vapers mainly using disposable e-cigarettes - in all age groups and particularly among 16-24 year olds. The study only asked vape users about their main choice of device. Dr Sarah Jackson, who works for the UCL Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group and is the lead author of the survey, tells the BBC she thinks "more people are turning to refillable, reusable devices" rather than stopping vaping altogether. "We often see people change their behaviour in response to impending policy changes before they come into action," she adds. Disposable vapes are single-use devices, which come pre-filled with vape liquid, whereas refillable and rechargeable (reusable) devices have a longer shelf-life and are often a cheaper way to vape in the long-term. A reusable vape has vape liquid that can be refilled and a battery that can be recharged. Dr Jackson adds that vape manufacturers have also been quick to react to the upcoming ban, with "the most popular" disposable brands producing rechargeable versions of their most popular models. "They're very similar in design, colours, flavours and even price," she says. While Dr Jackson thinks it's too early to tell whether the government's new strategy will deter young people from vaping, she maintains that health legislators face "an issue of balance". "We know it makes sense to do something to try and reduce the vast numbers of young people taking up vaping, but the key public health priority here does remain smoking," she says. "This is vastly more harmful and is killing a lot of people every year, so we need to make sure that any policy measures that are brought in to tackle youth vaping don't put people off using vapes, which are very effective at quitting smoking," she adds. Get our flagship newsletter with all the headlines you need to start the day.Sign up here.
Disposable vape use falls ahead of nationwide ban
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Study Finds Decline in Disposable Vape Use Among Youth Ahead of UK Ban"
Bbc News
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
A recent study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) indicates a significant decline in the use of disposable vapes among young adults aged 16-24, dropping from 63% to 35% over the past year. This shift comes in anticipation of a UK-wide ban set to take effect on June 1, aimed at addressing the environmental issues associated with disposable vapes, which are often non-recyclable and contribute to pollution. The researchers suggest that rather than quitting vaping altogether, many users are transitioning to refillable and rechargeable devices. This change may limit the overall impact of the ban on vaping rates since the study observed that the overall use of vaping among adults over 16 has stalled from January 2024 to 2025 after several years of growth. The government’s initiative also seeks to curb the increasing rates of youth vaping and protect children from potential harm associated with nicotine addiction.
Dr. Helen Wall, a general practitioner, emphasized the importance of using vaping as a cessation tool for smokers, but cautioned against its appeal to non-smokers, particularly young people, who may face detrimental effects on their concentration and learning capabilities. The UCL study analyzed data from over 88,000 individuals aged 16 and older, showing a rise in vaping from 8.9% to 13.5% between January 2022 and January 2024. Following the announcement of the ban, the percentage of vapers using disposable devices declined across all age groups, especially among the youth. Dr. Sarah Jackson, a lead author of the study, noted that vape manufacturers are already adapting by introducing rechargeable versions of popular disposable models, which closely resemble their single-use counterparts. While it remains to be seen whether the government’s strategy will effectively deter young people from vaping, Dr. Jackson highlighted the need for a balanced approach, ensuring that measures to reduce youth vaping do not undermine the public health goal of smoking cessation, which poses a far greater health risk than vaping.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The decline in disposable vape usage ahead of the UK-wide ban raises several questions about public health, policy effectiveness, and industry adaptation. The data suggests a shift in consumer behavior rather than a reduction in vaping overall, indicating that bans may not address the root causes of nicotine addiction among youth. Below is a detailed analysis of the key aspects of this news story.
Shift in Vaping Trends
The study highlights a significant drop in disposable vape use among 16-24-year-olds, from 63% to 35%, but notes a likely shift to refillable alternatives. This suggests the ban may not reduce vaping rates as intended but could drive users toward other products, potentially with similar health and environmental risks. The government’s focus on littering and youth protection appears partially undermined by this trend.
Public Health Concerns
Dr. Helen Wall’s comments emphasize NHS guidance that vaping should only aid smoking cessation, not serve as a habit for non-smokers, especially youth. The reported effects on concentration, agitation, and brain development in young users underscore the urgency of curbing vaping, but the ban’s limited impact reveals gaps in policy design. The data shows vaping rates plateaued post-announcement, hinting at the need for broader measures like education or stricter regulation of all vape types.
Environmental and Policy Implications
The ban targets disposable vapes due to their non-recyclability and environmental harm, but the study suggests it may fail to reduce overall consumption. This raises questions about whether the policy addresses symptoms (waste) rather than causes (addiction). The lack of a decline in total vaping rates post-announcement could signal ineffective deterrence or industry adaptation, such as marketing refillable products to younger demographics.
Potential Manipulation or Bias
The article presents data objectively but subtly aligns with a narrative that the ban is insufficient, possibly to advocate for stricter measures. There’s no overt manipulation, though the focus on shifting trends (rather than celebrating reduced disposable use) could reflect skepticism toward the policy. The absence of industry perspectives (e.g., vape manufacturers) might indicate selective reporting to amplify public health messaging.
Economic and Market Impact
The ban could disrupt the disposable vape market, benefiting companies producing refillable devices. However, if vaping rates remain stable, the economic impact may be minimal for the broader industry. Investors might pivot toward sustainable or reusable vape technologies, aligning with environmental trends.
Credibility Assessment
The study’s reliance on large-scale survey data (88,611 participants) and UCL’s academic credibility lend weight to its findings. The BBC’s inclusion of expert NHS commentary further bolsters reliability. However, the lack of counterarguments (e.g., industry responses) slightly narrows the perspective. Overall, the report is credible but could be more balanced.
Target Audiences and Societal Effects
The piece resonates with public health advocates, policymakers, and environmentally conscious readers. It may face skepticism from libertarian or industry groups opposing bans. Long-term, the ban’s limited success could spur calls for tougher regulations, impacting political debates on harm reduction versus prohibition.
AI and Narrative Influence
While no overt AI manipulation is evident, the article’s structure—emphasizing data trends and health risks—aligns with algorithmic preferences for measurable impacts. If AI tools were used, they likely streamlined data presentation rather than distorting facts. The focus on youth addiction subtly directs attention to societal harm, a common tactic in public health narratives.
Global Relevance
The UK’s approach mirrors global efforts to balance vaping’s role in smoking cessation with youth prevention. Similar bans elsewhere (e.g., Australia, EU states) could draw lessons from the UK’s mixed results, influencing international policy debates on nicotine regulation.
Final Verdict
The article is largely trustworthy, backed by robust data and expert input. Its minor bias lies in framing the ban as inadequate, possibly to advocate for stronger measures. The core findings—shifting usage patterns and policy limitations—are valuable for stakeholders navigating vaping’s complex landscape.