ONE in three vapers fear a ban on flavoured e-cigarettes might prompt them to start smoking again.
It comes as the Government considers banning the sale of flavoured, disposable vapes such as Elf Bars, due to the fact they are popular with children.
GettyThe Government is considering banning disposable vapes[/caption]
Public Health Minister Neil O’Brien has called for evidence ahead of restricting access to the powerful nicotine products for under 18s.
While health chiefs remain “extremely pro” getting adult smokers to quit the habit, there is mounting concern about how some products are targeted at kids.
The review will look at the “appearance and characteristics” of popular flavours like Apple Peach, Cotton Candy Ice and Strawberry Kiwi – looking at how they are branded and marketed.
Ministers will also investigate how the brightly-coloured vapes are advertised on social media amid concern they are being deliberately targeted at children.
While a major review found vapes are 95 per cent less harmful than smoking cigarettes, they do not come without risk.
They contain nicotine, which has been linked to heart disease in various studies.
Other studies have found links between vaping and depression, lung inflammation and damage and damage to the brain.
Now, a poll, commissioned by the UK Vaping Industry Association, has revealed what 2,000 adult vapers think about a possible ban.
It found eight in ten vapers claim flavoured vapes help them quit smoking.
Meanwhile, 27 per cent of responders agreed there is a real need to tackle youth vaping, with 37 per cent in favour of more effective enforcement handed out to retailers who are selling them to children.
John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, which commissioned the research, said: “The research shows there is a reliance on vapes to help smokers quit – and flavours have a role to play.
“While we are supportive of attempts to eradicate youth smoking, having a ban on flavours could have a negative impact on those who are attempting to quit.
“Often with these types of policies trying to stamp out one problem can cause another, and it shows many adult vapers are concerned about what they are hearing from the Government.
“The survey has shown many fear such a change could lead them back to smoking.”
The research also revealed the most popular flavours amongst adult vapers were the very ones that the Government is looking to consider banning.
Whilst strawberry is the nation’s favourite overall, other fruity flavours dominate the top five – including blueberry, watermelon, cherry and raspberry.
Many also cited some more unusual preferences like lychee, Earl Grey and even a Bloody Mary.
Tobacco and menthol flavourings are the most common ones quitters turned to, although 65 per cent didn’t receive any advice on the best flavours to help them on their quest to give up smoking.
And 83 per cent think having this guidance would be an important part of the quitting journey.
Within the separate poll of 1,000 smokers, conducted via OnePoll.com, it found 36 per cent are currently trying to reduce the amount they use cigarettes by increasing how much they vape.
And 75 per cent of these are confident it will help them to be successful on their quitting journey.
Mr Dunne added: “It is important to offer those who are trying to quit smoking the appropriate advice, including flavours, to support them during the process.
“We know that going cold turkey is not an option for many, and it shows a considerable amount are having success with flavoured vapes to help reduce, and ultimately cut out, their reliance on cigarettes.”