A recent study has found that Salford is ranked sixth for the most vape-obsessed place to live in the UK.
The studies conducted by experts from Haypp, discovered where vaping demands were highest in the UK, with the statistics formulated on the number of vape businesses per 100,000 residents and average monthly search volumes.
And these studies were conducted after searches for “when do disposable vapes get banned” skyrocketed by 1,250% over the past month as Britain counts down to the June 1 ban.
Vaping now accounts for 11 per cent of the UK adult population – the highest level since 2017 – with over half (53%) being former smokers, equating to around three million people.
And from this it found that Salford ranked sixth as the most vape-obsessed in the UK, achieving a final score of 7.24/10 – finishing behind Accrington, Bolton, Manchester, Darwen, and Stockport.
Salford has also been known to have seventeen vape shops per 100,000 residents and a jaw-dropping 646 vaping-related monthly searches per capita.
With Salford appearing to have a higher demand for vaping than Manchester, who recorded 382 vaping-related monthly searches.
And this proved to be a common trend across Greater Manchester, with it dominating the UK’s most vape-obsessed hotspots, with seven areas claiming a spot in the top 15.
And with Salford ranked sixth, although it is important to note that searching for vapes, isn’t the same a buying and using.
As a Salford City Council spokesperson said: “Searching for information about vapes isn’t the same as buying and using them. Efforts will continue to discourage young people from vaping and those who don’t smoke from taking up vaping.
“From the study sighted, a direct correlation between the number of web searches and the number of people who vape cannot be evidenced as the only single conclusion, there are many other conclusions that could be drawn.”
Nonetheless, Salford City Council are making the commitment to improving the health of people in the community, as Councillor Mishal Saeed, Executive Support Member for Social Care and Mental Health at Salford City Council said.
“We want everyone in Salford to live longer, healthier and happier lives, which is why this is a key priority of the council’s corporate plan.
“While we recognise the levels of people still smoking in Salford, research has shown that young people are taking up smoking less.
“That’s a positive shift in our community’s health and we will continue to take meaningful steps to inform our residents of the dangers of smoking.
“Salford City Council’s Stop Smoking Service offers a range of support to enable residents to quit smoking and live healthier lives.”
And with single-use disposable vapes being banned from sale from June 1 this year, Markus Lindblad, Head of External Affairs at Haypp said: “The upcoming ban is set to affect 1 in 7 young adults in the UK and 1 in 20 adults overall.
“While it may feel overwhelming for those who rely on disposable vapes, this change also opens up the opportunity to explore more sustainable options.”
And this was indicated by Salford City Council, as a part of Greater Manchester, they are aligned to the Making Smoking History programme.
The programme will be encouraging smokers to quit through advertising and promotion, providing the GM Smoke Free app and promoting local stop smoking services.
This increased promotion and awareness could account for some of the high numbers of vape related searches by Salford residents.
And with the commitment to residents health a survey was launched last month, asking parents to take part in The Vape Debate.
An anonymous survey launched by Salford Healthwatch to determine the extent of vaping amongst children and young people.
The survey has been produced by colleagues in Public Health, Salford City Council, the Youth Service and Early Break, with feedback being turned into a report containing recommendations to improve the issue of vaping.
As a Salford City Council spokesperson continued: “The statistics and details from the Vaping survey will provide valuable insights to be used to support the Youth Service and Early Break with their prevention and quit vaping support work with young people.
“Some primary schools are also choosing to deliver the “Catch your Breath” programme to their pupils to educate them about the harms of smoking and about concerns of young people vaping and vaping awareness.”
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