American teenagers prefer vaping to smoking
A major recent study has revealed the consumption habits of American e-cigarette users. The study, carried out by the polling institution Gallup, surveyed 1,033 Americans eighteen and older. The analysis of the collected responses reveals that Americans under 30 are the group most likely to take up vaping. Indeed, the rate of smoking amongst this group has declined significantly in recent years.
As of today, 9% of Americans say they vape regularly or occasionally. But this number jumps to 20% amongst young people between the ages of 18 and 29. For seniors 65 and older, the number is at 0,5%.
The study’s data shows that more and more smokers are turning towards vaping. 29% of adult Americans who smoked at least one cigarette in the last seven days also vaped, while only 5% of non-smokers have ever used a vaping device. In the USA, it appears that e-cigarettes are primarily used to aid when experiencing nicotine withdrawal.
Has vaping become a tobacco substitute for young Americans?
Americans under 30 years old are most likely to smoke traditional cigarettes. The proportion of young smokers dropped from around 30% in 2000 to 16% in 2018. Furthermore, this new generation smokes less than those between 30 and 64 years of age.
The perception of associated health risks with vaping depends on the age of the individual surveyed. 22% of 18-29 year olds say that vaping is “very harmful”. The number jumps to 40% in the next age bracket. However, over 80% of those surveyed, independent of their age, also recognized the dangers of traditional cigarettes.
It is clear with these results that young people are recognize vaping as a healthy alternative to cigarettes. However, the study would have benefitted from including e-cigarette users who are under eighteen.
