Is Vaping Still 95% Safer Than Smoking in 2025?

If you’ve heard anything about vaping and harm reduction, you’ve probably come across the headline: “Vaping is 95% safer than smoking.” But where did that number come from — and does it still hold up in 2025?

Let’s unpack the science, the criticism, and where things stand today for anyone weighing the risks of vaping vs smoking.

Where did the “95% safer” claim come from?

The now-famous claim originates from a 2015 independent review commissioned by Public Health England (PHE). The review concluded that e-cigarettes were likely at least 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes, largely due to the absence of tar and combustion.

It became a foundational point for the UK’s harm reduction approach, influencing policies, NHS quit-smoking tools, and even vape advocacy campaigns.

Why was it controversial?

While widely cited, the “95%” figure drew criticism from parts of the global medical community. Critics argued the estimate relied on expert opinion rather than long-term population studies. Others warned it might give a false sense of total safety — especially for non-smokers or teens picking up vapes.

Concerns raised included:

• Not enough long-term data on vaping (especially for lung and heart health)
• Potential gateway effect for youth and non-smokers
• Industry influence in some studies (though the PHE review was independent)

What has changed by 2025?

Ten years later, we now have far more research — and most of it still supports vaping as a much safer alternative to smoking. While the “95%” figure is more of a ballpark than a precise measurement, the core message remains: if you smoke, switching to vaping is a significantly healthier choice.

2025 UK findings:

• A 2023 review by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities reaffirmed vaping’s lower risk profile — especially in cardiovascular and cancer biomarkers.
• Ongoing data shows that smokers who switch to vaping experience measurable health improvements within weeks or months.
• Nicotine itself isn’t the main problem — it’s the smoke from burning tobacco that causes most harm.

What vaping is — and isn’t

✅ What vaping is: A harm reduction tool designed to help adult smokers quit combustible cigarettes.

❌ What it isn’t: Risk-free. Especially for non-smokers, pregnant individuals, or teens.

So… is vaping still 95% safer?

In spirit, yes. The current scientific consensus still places vaping far below smoking in terms of health risks. While we don’t have a perfect number — and probably never will — the “95%” claim continues to hold water when used in the right context:

“For adult smokers, switching entirely to vaping likely reduces health risks by a large margin — around 90–95% based on current evidence.”

How to vape more safely

If you’re vaping to quit smoking, here are a few smart steps to reduce risk even further:

• Use TPD-compliant products from trusted sources
• Choose the right nicotine strength to avoid overuse
• Consider stepping down your nicotine over time
• Avoid DIY liquids or black market products

Final thoughts

The “vaping is 95% safer” claim may be old — but it’s not outdated. In 2025, the science continues to support vaping as a powerful harm reduction tool for smokers. That doesn’t mean it’s totally harmless, but the difference between vaping and smoking is still clear and significant.

Looking to quit smoking safely?

Vape Lounge UK offers trusted, TPD-compliant vape kits and nicotine options to help you make the switch the smart way. Explore our products now and take control of your health in 2025 — one puff at a time.