Smokers who switch to vaping can cut their bills for nicotine by two thirds, according to an analysis published today.
Smokers also make large savings when they turn to nicotine replacement therapy, researchers found.
The findings, by British researchers, come as the city of San Francisco in the USA plans to ban all vaping.
The UK NHS has tended to encouraging the use of e-cigarettes, believing they are a lot safer than tobacco for smokers.
On average smokers spend £1,200 a year on cigarettes and just £417 a year on vaping, researchers at University College, London, found. NRT costs £523 a year.
The findings are reported in the journal Addiction.
Kruti Shrotri, from Cancer Research UK, which backed the research, said: "Quitting smoking is the single best thing a smoker can do for their health. And e-cigarettes are one of the many tools that can help. We need more research to determine the long-term effects, but studies so far have shown that e-cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco.
"With a more affordable price tag, it’s an alternative option for smokers looking to quit and make savings.”
Researcher Dr Sarah Jackson said: “A third of smokers list cost as an important factor driving their desire to quit. Our study shows that if people switch completely to alternative products such as e-cigarettes or NRT, a substantial saving could be made.
"While the absolute cost saving will vary according to individual usage patterns, we estimate that ex-smokers who have switched to e-cigarettes or NRT spend about £13-15 less per week than the average smoker."
Expenditure on smoking and alternative nicotine delivery products: a population survey in England. Addiction 27 June 2019
Leave a Reply