Is vaping good OR BAD?

Just over half of those who vape are ex-smokers, and 7% of adults use e-cigarettes* – but are they helpful or another crutch?

- PHOEBE GIBSON

Good:

‘Vaping is cheaper than smoking’

Philippa, 71, from Wetherby, used vaping to help her finally quit smoking.

I was always a heavy smoker. I started at 14 and was up to about 40 a day as an adult. I never worried about it from a health point of view, although my sons nagged me constantly.

But when I turned 66, I was in a different life stage – I was on my own with less money. I told my son I was going to give up. I’d never tried before, but I knew saying it out loud would force me to follow through.

With three cigarettes left, I went to the vape shop and spent £36 on all the kit. I’d spend double that on smoking in a week! I went home, enjoyed my last three cigarettes and became a vaper.