Changes in harm perceptions of e-cigarettes compared with cigarettes following the announcement of the disposable vape ban in Great Britain

Misperceptions about the relative harms of e-cigarettes remain common among people who smoke in Great Britain. The slowing of negative trends following the disposable ban announcement suggests the policy announcement did not worsen deteriorating harm perceptions as feared. Nonetheless, with only one in five adults who smoke recognising that e-cigarettes are less harmful than cigarettes, clear communication from public health bodies, government, and via the media is needed to address ongoing misconceptions. Future research should assess whether implementation of the ban in June 2025 has different effects on harm perceptions.