IT TOOK DECADES FOR INSURERS TO FULLY RECOGNISE SMOKING AS A MAJOR HEALTH RISK, BUT NOW VAPING IS STARTING TO DEMAND ATTENTION FROM UNDERWRITERS.
This trend has also led to another concerning issue. Data obtained by Zurich Municipal, through freedom of information requests to fire and rescue services across the UK, reveals that fires caused by vapes and e-cigarettes have more than doubled in the past two years, primarily due to the discarding of disposable vapes, which contain lithium-ion batteries.
There is significant interest in whether the new law that came into effect from 1st June 2025 will reverse any of these trends, making it illegal for businesses to sell or supply any single-use or‘ disposable’ vapes. This applies to shops and online suppliers, and to all vapes whether or not they contain nicotine.
Much of the increase in vaping has been driven by individuals who have never smoked traditional tobacco products, particularly younger generations.
“ Until around 2021, e-cigarette use was primarily limited to former smokers, but the latest data reveals that about 3-4 % of people are nicotine users but have never smoked,” says Bray.“ This trend is especially noticeable among those under 44, with the most significant increase occurring in young adults – nearly one-quarter of 16 to 24-year-olds now vape.”
The use of e-cigarettes in this age group has surged from 3.5 % at the start of 2020 to over 28 % in January 2025. Since 2021, the use of higher-strength e-liquids has also risen, with more than half of those who have never smoked now using e-liquids with a concentration of 20mg or more. Meanwhile, exsmokers and dual users( those who both smoke and vape) tend to favour lower-strength e-liquids.
Nicotine pouches, or‘ snus’, have also emerged. Like vapes, they come in various flavours – such as berry, citrus, and peppermint – which may appeal to younger users. The popularity of snus is further fuelled by its visibility in English professional football.
Highly addictive
Nicotine is highly addictive, and the cycle of withdrawal and temporary relief makes it difficult to overcome dependence. Short-term abstinence can lead to heightened mood-related symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Additionally, nicotine use can increase the risk of addiction to other substances.
Vapes containing spice, a class of synthetic drugs often marketed as legal cannabis alternatives, are becoming an increasing concern in the UK, particularly among school children. While vaping is typically associated with nicotine use, the presence of spice or other synthetic substances introduces serious risks, as these compounds can be highly unpredictable and dangerous.
Spice is known to cause severe physical and psychological effects, including dizziness, breathing problems, heart palpitations, paranoia, hallucinations, violent behaviour, psychosis, seizures, and, in extreme cases, death.
“ It’ s also highly addictive, increasing the risk of young people becoming dependent, with usage patterns potentially continuing into adulthood – turning them into potential risks for the insurance industry,” says Bray.
26 | PROTECTION ADVISER | AUTUMN 2025 |