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The most successful way to quit smoking is to use quit aids such as a vaping product or nicotine patches alongside support from a stop smoking service. Using quit aids without getting support can still be effective, but the chances of success are lower.

Did you know?

Nicotine is not the cause of smoking-related diseases such as cancer. Almost all the harm from smoking comes from the thousands of chemicals in tobacco smoke, at least 70 of which are known to cause cancer. By gradually reducing the nicotine dose over time, you can eventually stop using nicotine altogether.


About vaping

Vaping products are battery powered devices that heat an e-liquid containing nicotine, glycerol water and flavourings. They allow you to inhale nicotine in a vapour, without the thousands of chemicals found in tobacco smoke that cause all the harm from smoking.

The evidence is clear that vaping is far less harmful than smoking. Switching completely can substantially improve your health and does not harm those around you, unlike second-hand smoke which is very harmful to the health of others.

Although vaping products are significantly less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, they are not risk free. People who do not smoke, or who are not at risk of relapsing to smoking, should not vape.

Did you know?

Vaping products are the most popular stop smoking aid in England and have helped thousands of people who smoke quit for good.

Why should I switch to vaping?

Research has shown that vaping products are the most popular stop-smoking aid, and it’s estimated that there are thousands of additional quitters in Yorkshire each year because of them. They help people stop smoking more effectively than other stop smoking aids such as nicotine replacement therapy because they simulate the sensation of smoking and provide nicotine without the high levels of harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Although addictive, nicotine is relatively harmless on its own and does not cause cancer.

What’s in a vape?

A vaping device is a battery-powered device that heats an e-liquid containing nicotine, glycerol, water and flavourings. The nicotine is inhaled in a vapour, without the thousands of chemicals in tobacco that cause all the harm from smoking.

Is vaping safe?

Evidence shows that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking tobacco. As vaping products don’t contain or burn tobacco, the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke are either not there, or present in much lower amounts. Switching to vaping is likely to have substantial health benefits over continuing to smoke. That said, vaping products are not risk-free and should not be used by people who do not already smoke.


Won’t I just get addicted to vaping instead of cigarettes?

Although nicotine is addictive, it is not the cause of smoking-related diseases such as cancer. Using a vaping product means you can consume nicotine in a cleaner and less harmful way, without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco. By gradually reducing the strength of nicotine in your vaping device, you can eventually stop using nicotine altogether.


Is it ok to smoke and vape at the same time?

Smoking and vaping at the same time won’t make your health worse, but you won’t feel the full benefit unless you stop smoking tobacco completely. This is because you will still be inhaling the thousands of toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke and any level of smoking can increase your risk of smoking-related disease. Stopping smoking completely is the best thing you can do for your health.


Are vaping products cheaper than cigarettes?

The cost of vaping products can vary, with starter kits for reusable vapes priced from around £20 – not much more than the price of a packet of cigarettes. After this initial outlay, refills for vaping products are just a few pounds.


Will the vapour harm people around me?

It’s unlikely that there will be any harm to those around you when using a vape, and any risks are significantly reduced compared to exposure to second-hand smoke from cigarettes. Some people with respiratory conditions like asthma might be sensitive to large clouds of vapour, so be mindful of where and when you vape, following guidance and signage.


I’m pregnant, can I use vaping products to help me stop smoking?

There is limited evidence on the safety of using vaping products during pregnancy. However, evidence from the general adult smoker population suggests that they are likely to be significantly less harmful to a pregnant woman and her baby than continuing to smoke.

Therefore, if you choose to use a vaping device while pregnant to help you quit smoking and stay smokefree, you should be supported to do so by your healthcare team.