Vaping

This page provides evidence-based information for:

• adults who smoke
• people considering vaping as a way to stop smoking
• parents and carers
• children and young people
• health and social care professionals

Whether you are looking for support to stop smoking or guidance on vaping, trusted information is available to help you make informed decisions.

Vaping involves using an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or vape to inhale nicotine in a vapour rather than tobacco smoke.

While vaping is not risk-free, it is generally less harmful than smoking.  Most vapes contain nicotine, which is addictive.

If you smoke, stopping smoking completely is one of the best things you can do for your health. Some adult smokers find that vaping can help them move away from cigarettes, particularly when combined with support from a stop smoking service.

For children, young people and people who have never smoked, the healthiest choice is not to smoke or vape.

Key messages:

• The best option for your health is to be smoke-free and vape-free. 
• If you smoke, support is available to help you stop. 
• Some adult smokers use vaping as a tool to move away from tobacco smoking. 
• Vaping is not recommended for people who have never smoked. 
• Vaping is not harmless and may still pose risks to health. 
• Vaping illicit substances, including THC or Spice, carries unknown and potentially serious health risks.  For information go to Vaping illicit substances, example: Spice | Drugs and Alcohol (drugsandalcoholni.info)

Thinking about stopping smoking?

Free support is available across Northern Ireland to help you quit successfully. Local services can provide personalised advice, behavioural support and stop smoking treatments to help you become smoke-free.

If you smoke, switching completely from smoking to vaping is less harmful than continuing to smoke. Some adults find vaping helps them stop smoking, particularly when combined with support from a stop smoking service. However, the greatest health benefits come from stopping smoking completely and ultimately being both smoke-free and vape-free.

The PHA works with partners across Northern Ireland to reduce the harms associated with smoking and vaping by:

• developing resources for parents, schools, communities and healthcare professionals
• helping children and young people remain smoke-free and vape-free 

The Public Health Agency has published the Behavioural insights into youth vaping in Northern Ireland’ report which provides valuable insight into young people's attitudes, experiences and perceptions of vaping and tobacco use, helping inform future prevention and communication activity.

Protecting children and young people

Children and young people deserve the best possible start in life. Most young people do not vape regularly, and creating supportive environments at home, in schools and within communities can help them remain smoke-free and vape-free. Preventing nicotine addiction early in life helps protect health and wellbeing now and in the future.

For parents and carers

Talking openly about vaping and nicotine use can help young people make informed decisions. Parents and carers can play an important role by:

• having regular conversations about vaping and nicotine products
• understanding the risks associated with nicotine addiction
• encouraging healthy, smoke-free and vape-free lifestyles
• seeking trusted information and support when needed

The UK-wide Tobacco and Vapes Act TAVA (2026) which extends to Northern Ireland introduces measures to protect children and young people from the harms of tobacco and nicotine addiction.

The proposed measures include:

• restrictions on the sale of vaping and nicotine products to under 18s from 29th October 2026,
• the creation of a smoke‑free generation by making it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1st January 2009,
• further restrictions on the marketing and advertising of vaping products.

These measures aim to support a healthier future, protect children and young people and reduce the likelihood of nicotine addiction.

Further information on this legislation: Tobacco and Vapes Act documents | Department of Health.