Anyone using e-cigarettes “should stop smoking tobacco completely, because any smoking is harmful,” says NG92.12

As at September 2018, in its ‘Health matters: stopping smoking – what works?’ guidance, PHE estimated that just under 2.5 million people (about 5.5% of adults) were using e-cigarettes in England. Responses indicated that 51% had stopped smoking completely, but 45% said they still smoked tobacco. Of these, half said they are vaping in order to stop smoking.6,14

NICE advises health professionals on how to discuss the role of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation. While not definitively endorsing e-cigarette use, NG92 is generally positive, pointing out that products are regulated, and that “many people have found them helpful to quit smoking cigarettes.”12

In addition “the evidence suggests that e-cigarettes are substantially less harmful to health than smoking but are not risk free,” and “the evidence in this area is still developing, including evidence on the long-term health impact.” PHE estimates that the risk reduction in using e-cigarettes instead of tobacco is at least 95%.6,12

PHE also maintains an online collection of evidence on the impact of e-cigarettes, information on government policy and regulation, and guidance for organisations on vaping policies.15