Govind Tekale
In a first-ever global estimate, the World Health Organization revealed at least 15 million teenagers aged 13-15 are using e-cigarettes, with youth nine times more likely to vape than adults in countries where data exists. The report shows more than 100 million people worldwide now vape, including at least 86 million adults, mostly in high-income countries.
“E-cigarettes are fueling a new wave of nicotine addiction,” warned Etienne Krug, director of the WHO department for health determinants. The findings come as global tobacco use continues to decline, with tobacco users falling to 1.2 billion in 2024 from 1.38 billion in 2000.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused the tobacco industry of “aggressively targeting young people” with new nicotine products as traditional tobacco use declines. Health officials are particularly concerned about how e-cigarette designs and formulations appeal to young users.
Modern vaping devices use nicotine salts that reduce throat irritation, allowing higher nicotine concentrations to be inhaled more easily among users. These formulations deliver higher nicotine doses and increase dependence potential, particularly in developing brains.
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The report highlights concerning regulatory gaps, with 62 countries having no e-cigarette policies and 74 countries lacking minimum age requirements for purchases. Health experts warn nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm brain development, affecting attention, learning, mood, and impulse control, leading to various risks.
Sweet flavors, social influence, and discreet device designs contribute significantly to youth appeal. Studies show most young e-cigarette users start with flavored products, with fruit, candy, and mint being the most popular choices, which has sparked concerns.
While e-cigarettes have shown some effectiveness helping adult smokers quit traditional tobacco, the WHO emphasized the need for stronger regulation of these products. A 2024 Cochrane review found e-cigarettes more effective than patches or gum for adult cessation but noted more data on long-term health effects is needed.
The WHO called for stronger enforcement of tobacco control measures globally, warning that nearly one in five adults worldwide still use tobacco products. Health officials urge governments to implement stricter advertising restrictions targeting youth and enhance educational campaigns about vaping risks, including heavy fines and a crackdown on illicit products.
Europe now has the highest tobacco prevalence globally at 24.1%, while male tobacco prevalence in Southeast Asia nearly halved to 37% in 2024 from 70% in 2000, accounting for more than half the global decline in tobacco use.
