Vaping Epidemic: A New Wave of Addiction

The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that over 100 million people across the globe now use vapes, with 15 million of these users being aged between 13 and 15. The statistics reveal a new arena of concern as traditional tobacco use declines but alternative nicotine products gain popularity.

While e-cigarettes are often marketed as a tool for harm reduction and smoking cessation, they may inadvertently be fuelling a new wave of nicotine addiction among young people. Etienne Krug of WHO highlighted that these products are attracting younger demographics to nicotine use, potentially countering advancements in tobacco control made over recent decades.

Governments worldwide face the challenge of regulating e-cigarettes and balancing their potential benefits, such as aiding in quitting smoking, against the risks of introducing new, younger users to nicotine. The WHO calls for robust regulation and enforcement to mitigate these risks while managing tobacco and vaping products.

(With inputs from agencies.)