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Vaping
Nicotine vaping is less harmful than smoking and is a good way for adults to quit smoking alongside behavioural support.
Vaping is not recommended for people who don’t already smoke. It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to vape.
What are vapes?
A “vape” or electronic cigarette is a device that heats up a liquid to create a vapour you breathe in.
Vapes can be purchased from specialist vape shops, some pharmacies and retailers, or online. Some vapes available on the market are currently unregulated and do not meet the safety guidelines of the Medicines Health Regulatory Agency. The Medicines Health Regulatory Agency is responsible for regulating nicotine vaping products (e-cigarettes and refill containers) to make sure they are safe to use. Regulation also aims to protect children from using these products.
So far, no vapes have been licensed as stop smoking medicines in the UK and are not available on prescription from the NHS or from a GP. However, the Swap to Stop scheme offers 8 weeks’ behavioural support from one of our specialist advisors, a FREE vape kit and patches if needed to help you to quit smoking.
Key facts about vaping
- Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but that does not mean it is harmless. The long-term effects are still unknown.
- In the UK, it is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to under 18s or for adults to buy on their behalf.
- Nicotine may be riskier for young people than adults - evidence suggests it can have a negative impact on brain development and make them prone to addiction.
- Some disposable vapes on sale are illegal and do not meet the UK quality and safety regulations.
Swap to Stop scheme
If you live in Havering, you can sign up for a FREE vape kit bundle to help you stop smoking.
You will get 8 weeks’ behavioural support from one of our specialist advisors, a FREE vape kit and nicotine patches or gum if needed.
Why is switching from smoking cigarettes to vaping a good idea?
- Vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes
- Vaping is one of the most effective aids to stopping smoking
- Vaping has been found to be twice as effective as conventional nicotine replacement therapies (NRT, like nicotine gum), and is particularly effective when used in conjunction with behavioural support
- There is a reduced chance of relapse with behavioural support.
Is vaping harmful to you and people around you?
Vaping is thought to be less harmful than smoking, but it is not risk-free. People who use vapes breathe in less toxins and at lower levels compared to people who smoke cigarettes.
Vaping around others
Second-hand smoke from cigarettes can seriously harm other people. At the moment, there is no evidence that vaping is harmful to people around you.
When vaping, think about people around you, especially those with chronic health conditions such as asthma and other respiratory diseases, who might be more sensitive to the effects of second-hand vapour.
It is best not to vape around babies and children because young children often copy the behaviour of adults around them.
Side effects of vaping
Side effects can be managed and should not stop you from using a vape as a smoking quit aid.
Havering's Stop Smoking team can give advice for using a vape as a quitting tool and any side effects you may experience. Side effects might be due to your vaping device or how you might be vaping.
Common side effects of vaping include:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Throat and mouth irritation
- Coughing, dryness of mouth and throat
How to vape safely
If you are using a vape to quit smoking, it is important to always take care and reduce any risks by:
- Buying a vape from a reputable retailer, so you can be sure the vape meets all UK safety regulations.
- Using the right charger and avoid charging a vape when you are not in the room or overnight.
- Keeping vapes and e-liquids out of sight of children, as there is a risk of nicotine poisoning if swallowed.
Pregnancy and vaping
If you are pregnant and need support to quit smoking, licensed nicotine replacement therapy products, including patches and gum, are the recommended option.
Young people and vaping
While vaping is good at helping adult smokers to quit smoking, it is not completely harmless and should not be taken up by young people or people who do not smoke.
There is a minimum age of sale for vaping products in the UK. It is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to anyone under 18 or for any adult to purchase them on behalf of someone under 18.
The risks of vaping for young people:
- Nicotine can have negative effects on brain development in teenagers.
- This can cause problems with attention span and learning.
- High risk of nicotine addiction.
- Long-term side effects of vaping are not known yet.
- Illegal vapes often don’t have the correct labels to explain the dangers of vaping and instructions saying to keep them away from children.
- There is an increased risk of Child Exploitation where offenders will target young people by giving vapes in exchange for favours or compliance.
THC vaping
Some people add THC oil to their vaping liquid. This sticky, thick, yellowy brown liquid comes from the cannabis plant, it is extremely dangerous and can cause serious mental health problems.
THC vaping is very harmful and can cause:
- Loss of coordination
- Distorted senses (such as sound, sight, and touch)
- Anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.
Related Services
Related services
Stop Smoking London Smokefree App
Havering residents can get free premium access to the Smokefree App for Havering residents.
Community Pharmacy Stop Smoking Service
Free community pharmacy stop smoking support service for Havering residents. Residents can receive a 12 week programme with free face to face consultations and free nicotine replacement products or Varenicline* medicine to help them quit * Varenicline is a medication used to help you to stop smoking by reducing cravings and helping with withdrawal symptoms
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