More than 100 million people, including at least 15 million children, use electronic cigarettes, supplying a new wave of nicotine addicts, warns the World Health Organization (WHO). According to available global data, children have, on average, nine times more chances than adults to use electronic cigarettes, BBC reports.
The tobacco industry “aggressively concerns” young people. Photo: Archive
Dr. Etienne Krug, WHO representative, said electronic cigarettes “Feed a new wave of nicotine addiction”. “They are promoted as a method of reducing the risk, but in reality, they catch children in the trap of nicotine earlier and risk undermining the progress obtained in recent decades.”
The general director of WHO, Dr. Tedros, accused the tobacco industry that “Aggressively concerns” Young people.
“Millions of people give up smoking or choose not to start smoking due to tobacco control efforts,” he said.
“In response to this significant progress, the tobacco industry responds with new nicotine -based products, aggressive young people. Governments must act faster and faster, implementing effective tobacco control policies ”he added.
The figures regarding the use of electronic cigarettes are estimated, because 109 countries-especially from Southeast Africa and Asia-does not collect such data.
According to the report, until February this year, at least 86 million electronic cigarette users were adults, mostly of high -income countries.
Also, at least 15 million teenagers between the ages of 13 and 15 are already using electronic cigarettes, according to polls conducted in 123 countries.
Although many states have made efforts in recent years to introduce regulations on electronic cigarettes and to combat the phenomenon among children, by the end of 2024, 62 countries still had no policy, and 74 states had not established a minimum age for the purchase of electronic cigarettes, the WHO says.
Meanwhile, the use of tobacco has decreased – from about 1.38 billion consumers in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024.
The prevalence of tobacco consumption among women decreased the most – from 11% in 2010 to 6.6% in 2024.
Among men, the decrease was from 41.4% in 2010 to 32.5% in 2024.
However, one in five adults worldwide uses tobacco.
Smoking is associated with numerous diseases, including cancer.
Experts say electronic cigarettes are much less harmful than classic cigarettes and can help people who want to quit smoking. However, they are not recommended for non -smokers.
Electronic cigarettes do not burn tobacco and do not produce tar or carbon monoxide – two of the most harmful substances in cigarette smoke. However, they contain nicotine, which can addictive.
