Survey
finds rapid increase in number of UK vapers
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[September 14, 2018]
LONDON (Reuters) - An estimated 3.2 million
people in Britain are now users of e-cigarettes, or vapes, compared with
around 7.4 million who smoke tobacco cigarettes, according to data from
a survey conducted by an anti-smoking charity.
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Among those who vape, more than half are people who have switched to
electronic cigarettes after quitting tobacco, the survey by Action
on Smoking and Health (ASH) found, and 40 percent are tobacco
smokers trying to quit.
Experts at Public Health England say vaping is around 95 percent
less harmful than smoking tobacco cigarettes, and health authorities
in Britain foresee substantial public health benefits if smokers are
able to switch.
Internationally, however, the scientific community is divided over
e-cigarettes as a nicotine replacement therapy. E-cigarettes have no
tobacco, but contain nicotine-laced liquids that the user inhales in
a vapor.
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Deborah Arnott, ASH's chief executive, said the survey data showed
British smokers are "getting the message on e-cigarettes" and
switching to them as a healthier option.
The number of vapers in Britain has grown rapidly over the past few
years - to more than 3 million now from around 700,000 in 2012.
(Reporting by Kate Kelland; Editing by Mark Potter)
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