Among those aged 18 to 24 the proportion using disposable vapes is significantly higher.
In total, 14.4 per cent of this age group used the devices, including 7.1 per cent who used them despite not having a history of smoking tobacco.
Researchers said any ban would need to be backed by measures which encourage current and former smokers who use disposables to switch to other types of e-cigarettes rather than going back to just smoking tobacco.
The document is being published ahead of legislation to ultimately phase out sales of cigarettes, by raising the legal age of purchase by one year annually.
The bill is expected to be debated in early February, when Tories will have a free vote, while Labour MPs will be whipped into backing the proposals.
The action to phase out the sale of cigarettes would make the UK the first country in the world to introduce such measures.
New Zealand passed similar legislation under the Jacinda Ardern-led government. However, in November its new government announced plans to scrap the ban, which had yet to take effect.
Other countries have introduced a ban on disposable and flavoured vapes.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration began a crackdown in 2020, requiring e-cigarettes to get regulatory approval to be sold, which has only authorised tobacco flavoured vapes.
However, an illegal market in disposable and flavoured vapes has flourished online and in stores.
The Department of Health and Social Care said: “The health advice on vaping is clear: vaping can play a role in helping adult smokers to quit, but if you don’t smoke, don’t vape – and children should never vape.
“We have consulted on measures to reduce the appeal and availability of vapes to children. We will set out further details in due course.”
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
