NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has launched a new advice pack on vaping to help users of all ages understand the risks and plan to cut down or quit.
Vaping is an increasing public health concern in Scotland with the growth of vape users in the adult population going from 10% to 12% in a 12-month period (2022-2023).
The number of people vaping who have never smoked before is of most concern with the latest figures showing that one in five young people (16-24 years) In Scotland vape. In 2022, 15% of 16–24-year-olds in Scotland said they vaped. This jumped to 22% just 12 months later.
The Vaping Risks and Resources Pack aims to address this growing concern by providing information on the risks of vaping, as well as guidance on how to reduce use or quit completely.
The pack includes information for people working with young people as well as age-appropriate video clips for young people who use vapes. All materials have been co-produced with this age group and service providers working with young people.
Download the Pack via the NHSGGC website or access individual documents via Linktree.
Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health at NHSGGC, said: “We’re living in an age where trends travel faster than facts and, much like sun beds and energy drinks before them, vapes have been cleverly marketed towards young people as fun and risk-free.
“However, the reality is very different, and users are exposed to harmful and addictive products without full access to or awareness of the associated health risks.
“Our new pack deals in facts, explaining the impact of the harmful chemicals and nicotine found in vapes, and will also help vape users create a plan to start their cut-down or quit journey, by understanding their use, making a plan and sticking to it.
“People need to know the facts so they can make informed choices, and our Vaping Risks and Resources Pack aims to guide them on that journey.”
Available as a free download on the NHSGGC website, the pack includes access to:
- Videos on the risks of vaping and how to cut down/quit
- A link to NHSGGC’s E-Cigs and Vapes homepage
- Public Health Scotland’s “E-Cigs, The Facts” leaflet
- Stop Vaping Tips for Adults
- Stop Vaping Tips for Young People
- Young People and Vaping Information Guide
The Vaping Risks and Resources Pack is part of NHSGGC’s wider commitment to preventing nicotine and tobacco dependence and improving health across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Quit Your Way offers tailored for those who wish to stop smoking.
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*Notes (Ash Scotland via Scottish Government [2024] The Scottish Health Survey. 2023, edition, volume 1, main report. Link.)
12% of the Scottish adult population are current e-cigarette users, up from 10% in 2022.
The increase in e-cigarette use in Scotland occurred primarily among younger age groups (16-24):
- 2019: 5%
- 2022: 15%
- 2023: 22%
