VAPE A MINUTE
Why smoking AND vaping could be bad for you – here’s how to quit both for good
Vaping might be safer than smoking, but combining the two can double the harm
MORE adults in England are smoking and vaping, with experts warning the combination is highly harmful.
UK scientists say "dual use" is often a step smokers take when trying to quit or cut down.
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They found that in 2016, some 3.5 per cent of adults in England were users of both cigarettes and vapes, which rose to 5.2 per cent in 2024.
"This may be good news," Lead author Dr Sarah Jackson, from University College London, said.
"Dual users can reduce the harm they are exposed to by vaping more and smoking less."
Over time the proportion of smokers who smoked daily and vaped occasionally halved from 32 per cent to 15 per cent, research published in the journal , revealed.
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Meanwhile, the proportion vaping daily and smoking non-daily more than doubled from eight per cent to 22 per cent.
"However, it is important that people quit smoking completely to get the full health benefits," Dr Sarah added.
In the UK, vapes, also called e-cigarettes, are tightly regulated for safety and quality.
They're not completely risk-free, but they carry a small fraction of the risk of cigarettes.
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The NHS only recommends it for adult smokers, to support quitting smoking.
"Combining the two only multiplies the harm," Dr Naheed Ali, a physician and senior contributor at , from Florida, US, told Sun Health.
My lungs ‘turned to concrete and collapsed’ after vaping left ‘black juice’ leaking from my body
"Smoking introduces toxins like tar and carbon monoxide that directly damage your lungs and cardiovascular system," he said.
"Vaping, on the other hand, adds chemicals from e-liquids that can irritate and harm lung tissue. "
"Doing both doesn't just double the load on your body - it makes things worse because your system has to handle two different sets of toxins at the same time"
Smoking is also linked to stroke and cancer in various parts of the body, while vaping might contribute to tooth decay and hinder brain development.
Despite the risks, using vapes to quit smoking is still a better option than not trying at all.
"We still don’t fully know the damage of vaping long term as it's still fairly new," GP Dr Jeff Foster. from Nuffield Health, explained.
How to quit smoking
Quitting smoking can feel challenging, but with the right steps, it’s entirely possible.
Start by setting a quit date that works for you.
Preparing mentally can make a huge difference, so give yourself time to get ready.
Talking to a doctor or a stop-smoking service can provide valuable support along the way.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), like patches or gum, can also help manage cravings and make the process easier, and it’s available over-the-counter or on prescription.
Staying active is key, too. Even a short walk can reduce cravings and improve your mood.
Try to identify triggers that make you want to smoke, and avoid them, especially in the early days of quitting.
And as you go along, celebrate small victories. Treat yourself every time you reach a milestone.
Quitting is a journey, and while it may take time, with determination and support, you can definitely do it.
Source: NHS
"But we are all aware of horror stories of health and vaping, perhaps not as much as cigarettes but only time will tell."
"If you can manage to go cold turkey from cigarettes without vaping then fantastic, but if you do need to vape, see it as a short-term solution rather than swapping one habit for another”.
NEW LAWS
In October, the Government announced that disposable vapes will be banned across the UK from June 2025, to protect kids’ health.
But refillable vapes will remain available as doctors use them to help people quit smoking.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Soon it will be illegal for anyone currently aged 15 or under to ever buy cigarettes in the UK, under new laws proposed by the government.
The plan is part of a series of measures aimed at tackling the health effects of smoking, one of the UK's leading causes of preventable death, disability and ill health.
How to quit vaping
Giving up vaping can be tricky, but it’s totally doable.
Much like with smoking, start by setting a quit date and let your friends and family know so they can support you.
It helps to cut down gradually if going cold turkey feels too much.
When cravings hit, distract yourself with something like chewing gum or going for a walk.
Try to stay clear of places where you usually vape and find new ways to relax without reaching for your vape.
If you need extra help, stop-smoking services can offer great advice and support to keep you on track.
Celebrate the small wins, you’re making progress every day.
Source: NHS
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