Noticed more and more people puffing on plastic cigarettes? In England, around 3.2 million people are now ‘vaping’, using an electronic cigarette device that creates a vapour to inhale. And the trend is growing – 7.1% of adults are now thought to vape, a number that’s risen sharply in the past decade. ‘It’s seen as a “healthier alternative” to cigarettes, but it’s one that still contains nicotine,’ says GP and specialist in women’s health Dr Hana Patel*. ‘So it still carries health risks.’ Here’s what you need to know.
