Dublin: A major new study has found that e-cigarettes are not helping smokers to quit but are instead drawing a new generation into nicotine addiction. The research, published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe and conducted by the HSE in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin, RCSI, and University College Cork, shows a sharp rise in both vaping and dual use (vaping and smoking).
The study, which analysed data from more than 52,000 participants in the Healthy Ireland survey, concluded that vaping is weakening quit attempts and poses a serious public health concern. Researchers say urgent action is needed to restrict access and curb marketing, beyond the existing ban on sales to under-18s.
They recommend tighter regulation of flavours and advertising and suggest Ireland could examine the Australian model, which limits e-cigarette sales to pharmacies. Researchers also highlighted growing health risks linked to vaping, including heart, respiratory, and oral diseases, as well as metabolic dysfunction.
Key Findings
- The long-term decline in smoking in Ireland has stalled since 2019.
- Nicotine use among 15–24 year olds increased 20-fold between 2015 and 2023, with the biggest surge after disposable vapes entered the market in 2019.
- In 2015, one in five young people used nicotine; by 2023, this had risen to one in three.
- By 2023, 15–23 year olds were the largest group of vape users.
The researchers concluded that evidence for vaping as a quitting aid is weak, while evidence of its role in encouraging smoking among children and young people is strong.
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