According to a report from Brunel University London, the use of vaping products in the United Kingdom could potentially save the country half a billion pounds. The report suggests that the reduced health risks associated with vaping compared to smoking traditional cigarettes could lead to significant cost savings for the National Health Service (NHS).
The researchers estimated that switching from smoking to vaping could prevent over 6,000 deaths per year in the UK and reduce healthcare costs by approximately £518 million ($669 million). This calculation takes into consideration the potentially lower healthcare expenses related to treating vaping-related ailments compared to smoking-related diseases.
“We are delighted that this new research from Brunel University London reinforces the findings of our own economic impact report,” said John Dunne, director general of the U.K. Vaping Industry Association, in a statement.
“The potential savings to the NHS from smokers switching to vaping are enormous, and at a time when the NHS is desperately crying out for more funding and government budgets are squeezed so tightly, this is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.
“Only last week, ASH [Action on Smoking and Health] revealed shocking data, which showed that four in 10 smokers wrongly believe vaping is as or more harmful than smoking—up from one in five in 2019.
“Misinformation in the mainstream media about the relative health risks of smoking and vaping was one of the reasons given for this increasing lack of knowledge, and unless the government acts to educate smokers about the real risks, then lives will continue to be needlessly lost.”
Why vaping are suggest to use？
Traditional smoking remains a leading cause of preventable diseases and premature death. By encouraging a shift towards vaping, the UK could see a significant reduction in smoking-related healthcare costs. According to a study conducted by Public Health England, vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking, implying a decrease in healthcare expenses associated with tobacco-related diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
