Smoking Increased Due to Lockdown Article Cover

A recent report highlights the impact of vape shop closures during national lockdowns, estimating that over half a million more people are smoking.  

In a new report created by Future Health, it’s been highlighted that smoking has risen significantly within lockdowns over the last year. The largest visible rise was found with those aged between 18 and 24 with around 600,000 adults in total beginning to smoke cigarettes again.  

This is very disheartening news as the 40-year declining trend in smokers takes a hit, although with many factors influencing the risk of those returning to cigarettes, including unemployment, stress and poor mental health experiences as a result of the lockdowns, there’s clear cause to why many have taken a step backwards.  

Proportion of UK Adults Smoking

Decline in UK Smokers by Year Graph

Smokefree 2030

With UK Government aiming to make England a Smokefree nation by 2030, this is a significant setback to one of the most ambitious goals set by Government; Richard Sloggett, ex advisor to MP Matt Hancock highlighted recent statistics mean Government will have to take “drastic and immediate action”. 

Our model indicates that as a result of the pandemic there could be up to 600,000 additional smokers next year than originally forecast. This is due to wider population health impacts from the pandemic such as increased unemployment and mental health.” 

The already ambitious target to be Smokefree by 2030 is further highlighted to be a stretch in areas such as Corby, Northamptonshire, where the smoking rate is the highest within England. The Future Health report states there would have to be a serious reduction in smoking rates over the next nine years to meet the Smokefree status.  

“For Corby, the area with the highest smoking rate in the country to reach Smokefree status, would require an 82% reduction in smoking rates in the next nine years. This would mean over 4 adults in every 5 currently smoking in Corby would need to quit in this period (combined with no additional smokers)” 

Vaping in Lockdown 2021 Image

Health and Wellbeing

Coronavirus has had a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of communities, families and individuals across the county, although there is some evidence from other sources which highlight a positive impact in reducing smoking rates.  

In work carried out by YouGov for Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) in 2020, it was highlighted that over one million people had quit smoking since the pandemic started with almost half (41%) stating it was a direct response to Coronavirus.  

Unfortunately, regardless of statistics during the pandemic and national lockdowns, ASH highlight that between 2019 and 2020, smoking killed 74,600 people within England alone. With evidence showing that for every person killed by smoking, at least another 30 continue to live with serious smoking-related illnesses.  

Comparison of Deaths From Smoking in Countries 1990-2017

Graph Highlighting Smoking Related Deaths by Year

Royal Flush Vape Support

Here at Royal Flush Vape we’re determined to help people quit smoking regardless what stage they’re at. It’s unfortunate news that many have returned to smoking, although now more than ever it’s vital to ensure that we offer our services to those who want to quit.  

Working in partnership with leading vaping industries, such as the UK Vaping Industry Association, Royal Flush Vape not only provide vaping starter kits for those wanting to move to a healthier lifestyle, we also ensure our support is available for everybody who wants to make the switch, or struggling to give up smoking cigarettes.  

Vaping Starter Quit Kit Aspire Pockex - Royal Flush Vape

With recent reports by Public Health England (PHE) stating that vaping is better than nicotine replacement therapy, vaping products are amongst the most successful in stopping smoking.  

“It is estimated that in 2017, more than 50,000 smokers stopped smoking with the aid of a vaping product who would otherwise have carried on smoking.”   

Are you looking to quit smoking or know somebody who wants to? Reach out to us! We’re readily available to answer any of your queries or concerns you may have about vaping or stopping smoking in general.  

Already on your Smokefree journey? You can get your vape kits, e-liquids and accessories from Royal Flush Vape directly on our website! 

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Conclusion

Even prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, meeting the Smokefree 2030 target was visibly very challenging and will most likely meet the calculations from Cancer Research UK who projected that the average smoking prevalence within England is not expected to reach the 5% target until 2037.  

It is still too early to highlight the long-term impacts of the pandemic, including the impact on our nation’s health. The research being carried out by industry leaders sets out to highlight that for smoking, the health impacts of Coronavirus, including unemployment and mental health, could stall the progression in reducing smoking rates.  

Although it may not appear evident that Smokefree 2030 will meet the targets set out, it is very clear that Government must work alongside those working hard to prevent smoking, including the vaping industry to bring a healthier lifestyle to the nation and around the world.  

Disclaimer: The content on www.royalflushvape.co.uk offers general insights about vaping and vape related products. Please be aware that this information is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice and should only be relied upon when explicitly referenced. We make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, reliability, or health-related advantages of the content displayed across all pages of our website, including blog posts, product pages and social media content.

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