The Latest Vaping Statistics for 2023: A Comprehensive Look

WHAT IS VAPING?

Vaping, short for vaporizing, refers to the use of electronic devices to inhale aerosolized vapor rather than smoke. Vape devices are commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and they come in various types such as vape pens, pods, tanks, and mods. E-cigarettes use a heating element to vaporize a liquid containing propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, and flavorings.

HOW POPULAR IS VAPING?

The use of e-cigarettes has been increasing over the years, particularly among young adults. According to recent vaping statistics:

• 1 in 20 Americans (5%) are current e-cigarette users (Gallup ,2018).
• In the United States, 27.5% of high school students use vape products (Truth Initiative ,2019).
• Youth e-cigarette use has increased by 1,800% since 2011, with more than 5 million U.S. middle and high school students using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days (U.S Food and Drug Administration ,2019).
• Nearly 1 million youth e-cigarette users use the product daily, and 1.6 million use it more than 20 times per month (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2019).

These statistics demonstrate the increasing popularity of e-cigarette use, particularly among young adults, and highlight the importance of addressing the potential health risks associated with vaping.

Vaping Statistics Worldwide

According to the World Health Organization, in 2011, there were 7 million e-cigarette users worldwide. By 2018, that number had skyrocketed to 41 million. That number is projected to increase even further to an estimated 55 million by 2021. The global vaping market has seen explosive growth, with sales reaching $15.7 billion in 2018 and predicted to reach $40 billion by 2023. The three largest markets for vaping products are the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

Vaping Statistics in the U.S.

In the United States, roughly 1 in every 20 Americans use vaping devices, with 1 in 3 users vaping daily. Around 8% of Americans report using vaping products in the past week. Interestingly, Oklahoma has the highest rate of e-cigarette usage, followed by Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky, while Washington, D.C. has the lowest rate of e-cigarette usage, followed by South Dakota, California, Maryland, and Vermont.

Vaping Statistics by Age

Younger adults are more likely to use vaping products than older adults. According to Gallup, 20% of Americans ages 18 to 29 use vape products, compared with 16% of those ages 30 to 64, and fewer than 0.5% among those 65 and older. The percentage of high school students who vaped in the past 30 days increased among 12th graders (11% to 25%), 10th graders (8% to 20%), and 8th graders (4% to 9%) from 2017 to 2019.

Teen Vaping Statistics

Youth e-cigarette use has seen a dramatic rise in recent years, with a staggering 1,800% increase from 2011 to 2019. Two-thirds of young JUUL users (ages 15 to 21) don’t know that the product always contains nicotine. In 2019, 10.5% of middle school students reported using vaping products within the past month. Teens who vape most commonly do so to experiment, like the taste, have a good time, relieve tension, or to feel good or get high.

Vaping vs. Smoking Statistics

The comparison between vaping and smoking is often discussed, with some claiming that vaping is a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products. However, the statistics paint a different picture. More than 30% of teens who start using e-cigarettes begin smoking traditional tobacco products within six months. Only 15% of U.S. e-cigarette users are non-smokers. Young people in the U.S. are four times more likely to try cigarettes and three times more likely to smoke regularly if they’ve already used vaping products. The majority (70%) of high school cigarette smokers also use vaping products, according to the Surgeon General.

THE TRUE COST OF VAPING

Vaping has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional cigarettes, with many users touting it as a more affordable and healthier option. However, the reality is that the cost of vaping extends far beyond the initial purchase of the product. In fact, the financial and health implications of vaping can be quite steep.

The Financial Cost of Vaping

At first glance, it may seem like vaping is a more cost-effective option than smoking traditional cigarettes. However, the cost of vaping can quickly add up. According to manufacturer Ruthless Vapor, vaping can cost anywhere from $387 to $5,082.50 per year, while smoking a pack of cigarettes a day can cost between $2,087.80 to $5,091.75 annually.

Furthermore, the cost of vaping extends beyond just the initial purchase of the product. For regular e-cigarette users, the median cost ranges from $50 to $75 per month, with some users spending as much as $250 per month, according to a report from Tobacco Prevention and Cessation.

In addition to these costs, vaping can also result in unexpected expenses. Vaping-related health problems can lead to emergency room visits and hospitalizations, which can be financially devastating. In 2017, the average cost of an emergency room visit was $1,389, according to the Health Care Cost Institute. A three-day hospital stay can cost an average of $30,000, according to Healthcare.gov.

The Health Cost of Vaping

While vaping is often touted as a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, the reality is that it still poses significant health risks. Respiratory failure and insufficiency, lung cancer, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and pneumonia are among the most serious health conditions that can result from vaping. These health conditions can result in lengthy hospital stays, which can be both emotionally and financially draining.

In addition to the cost of treatment for vaping-related health problems, there is also the potential for long-term health consequences that may not be immediately apparent. These consequences can lead to ongoing health problems and increased healthcare costs down the line.

REASONS FOR VAPING

According to a survey conducted by the NIH Monitoring the Future, teenagers have varied reasons for vaping. Here are some of the most common reasons cited:

Curiosity

The survey found that over 60% of teenagers vape to try it out and experience it. This group is often made up of young people who have not previously used vaping products but are interested in trying it out for the first time.

Taste

Another reason why teenagers vape is because they like how it tastes. The survey revealed that 41.7% of teens enjoy the flavors that vaping products offer, which are often more diverse than traditional cigarettes.

Social Activity

Teenagers are also drawn to vaping as a social activity. Nearly 38% of those surveyed admitted to vaping as a way to bond with their peers and be part of a group. This can lead to peer pressure and normalization of the behavior, increasing the likelihood of addiction.

Relaxation

Vaping has been shown to have a calming effect, which is why over 37% of teenagers vape to relax. They perceive it as a way to relieve stress or anxiety.

Feel Good or Get High

Unfortunately, some teenagers vape to feel good or get high. Approximately 29% of those surveyed admitted to using vaping products for this reason, which can be dangerous and lead to addiction.

Boredom

Another reason why teenagers vape is that they’re bored. Approximately 28.7% of those surveyed reported using vaping products as a way to pass the time and alleviate boredom.

Coolness Factor

Although it might seem cliché, some teenagers vape because they think it looks cool. The survey found that 15.2% of teenagers vape due to its perceived coolness factor.

Addiction

Although a smaller percentage of teenagers vape due to addiction, it’s still a concern. 8.1% of those surveyed admitted to vaping due to their addiction to nicotine.

Quitting Traditional Cigarettes

Lastly, some teenagers vape to help them quit traditional cigarettes. Approximately 6.1% of those surveyed reported using vaping products as an alternative to cigarettes. However, given the addictive nature of nicotine, this approach is not always successful.

ADVANTAGES OF OF VAPING

Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking, and with that comes a growing list of advantages. Here are some of the key benefits of vaping:

Less harmful than smoking

One of the most significant advantages of vaping is that it’s less harmful than smoking. When you smoke tobacco, you inhale a range of harmful chemicals and carcinogens that can damage your health over time. In contrast, vaping doesn’t involve combustion, so you don’t inhale the same harmful chemicals. While e-cigarettes aren’t risk-free, they’re considered to be a safer alternative to smoking.

More cost-effective

Another advantage of vaping is that it can be more cost-effective than smoking. While the initial outlay for a vaping device can be expensive, the ongoing costs are generally lower. With vaping, you only need to replace the e-liquid and coils, which can be significantly cheaper than buying packs of cigarettes over time.

More discreet

Vaping can also be more discreet than smoking. Because e-cigarettes don’t produce smoke or ash, you can use them in more places than you can smoke cigarettes. Additionally, the odor of e-cigarette vapor is generally less offensive than cigarette smoke, which can be a bonus for people who don’t want to smell like cigarettes.

Wide variety of flavors

One of the most popular advantages of vaping is the variety of flavors available. E-liquids come in a wide range of flavors, from traditional tobacco and menthol to fruity and dessert flavors. This variety can make vaping a more enjoyable experience for people who don’t like the taste of cigarettes.

Customizable experience

Vaping also offers a customizable experience. With different types of devices, coils, and e-liquids, you can adjust your vaping experience to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a tighter or looser draw, more or less vapor production, or a different flavor profile, you can find a combination that works for you.

VAPING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Vaping has become a popular trend among smokers and non-smokers alike. As the number of vapers continues to grow, there are many questions that arise about the safety, effectiveness, and legality of vaping. Here are some common questions and answers about vaping.

1. What is vaping? Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or other vaping device.
2. Is vaping safe? While vaping is generally considered safer than smoking traditional cigarettes, it is not completely risk-free. There are still health risks associated with vaping, particularly when it comes to lung health.
3. Can vaping help me quit smoking? Vaping is often marketed as a smoking cessation tool, but its effectiveness as a quit-smoking aid is still up for debate. Some studies suggest that vaping can help smokers quit, while others show no significant difference between smokers who use e-cigarettes and those who don’t.
4. Is vaping legal? Vaping is legal in most countries, but the regulations surrounding vaping products can vary greatly from one place to another. It is important to check your local laws and regulations before using vaping products.
5. Can vaping cause popcorn lung? Popcorn lung is a condition that can be caused by exposure to diacetyl, a chemical used in some e-cigarette flavors. While the risk of developing popcorn lung from vaping is relatively low, it is still a concern.
6. Can secondhand vapor harm others? The potential harm from secondhand vapor is still a topic of debate among researchers. While some studies suggest that secondhand vapor is harmless, others suggest that it can have negative effects on the respiratory system of non-vapers.
7. Can vaping cause addiction? Vaping products contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. Regular use of vaping products can lead to nicotine addiction, just like with traditional cigarettes.
8. What are the benefits of vaping over smoking? Some of the benefits of vaping over smoking include a reduced risk of lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases, better oral hygiene, and no unpleasant odors.
9. Can vaping be used for recreational purposes? Vaping is often used recreationally, particularly by young adults. While it is generally considered safer than smoking, it is still important to use vaping products responsibly and avoid excessive use.
10. Are there any risks associated with vaping during pregnancy? Vaping during pregnancy is not recommended, as it can have negative effects on fetal development. Nicotine exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk of low birth weight, premature birth, and other complications.