The use of high-strength vapes has “increased sharply” in recent years, researchers have found. A significant proportion of vapers are opting for the highest-strength vapes that they can legally get, academics from University College London (UCL) said. Researchers examined data on almost 8,000 vapers from July 2016 to January 2024.
People were asked about whether or not their e-cigarettes contain nicotine and the strength. The proportion of vapers in England using high-strength vapes rose from 3.8% on average between July 2016 and June 2021 to 33% in January 2024, according to the study, published in the journal Addiction.
Among the vapers using the highest-strength vapes, the vast majority (93%) used e-cigarettes containing nicotine at the top end of the legal limit – 20mg/ml. The rise was “most pronounced” among those using disposable vapes and young adults aged 18-24. Large rises were also seen among current smokers and recent ex-smokers, but not long-term ex-smokers.
Researchers said that the rise in higher-strength vapes coincides with the growing popularity of disposable vapes. Despite the increase, the researchers cautioned against taxing vaping products according to nicotine strength, as there could be “unintended consequences”. Earlier this year the Government announced that it was to introduce a new tax on vapes in a bid to discourage non-smokers from taking up the habit.
Academics warned that a duty on higher-strength vapes could discourage smokers fr.