Concerning Number of Individuals Now Engage in Vaping, Warns Global Health Body
Over 100 million users, comprising at minimum 15 million youth, presently utilize e-cigarettes, fueling a recent wave of nicotine addiction, according to current worldwide public health data.
Children are, usually, nine times more inclined than grown-ups to use e-cigarettes, according to existing worldwide figures.
Vaping devices are driving a "fresh wave" of nicotine habit, remarked a senior health expert. "These devices are promoted as harm reduction but, actually, are ensnaring children on nicotine sooner and risk undermining decades of progress."
Teens Being 'Focused On'
"Millions of citizens are quitting, or not taking up tobacco use due to tobacco regulation efforts by countries throughout the world," the official commented.
"In response to this strong progress, the tobacco sector is pushing back with recent nicotine products, actively targeting youth. Authorities must respond faster and more forcefully in applying proven tobacco-control policies," he added.
The e-cigarette numbers are an approximation since some states - 109 in sum, and many in Africa and Asian regions - lack statistics.
Per the analysis, as of this past February this year, at minimum 86 million e-cigarette users were adults, mostly in wealthy nations.
And at bare minimum 15 million teenagers aged 13 and 15 already vape, per studies from 123 states.
While many nations have attempted to introduce e-cigarette rules to combat underage vaping in recent years, by the conclusion of 2024, 62 countries still had no regulation in effect, and 74 nations had no minimum age at which e-cigarettes may be bought, reports the public health authority.
Meanwhile, tobacco consumption has been dropping - from an projected 1.38 billion consumers in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024.
Frequency of tobacco consumption among females dropped the greatest - from 11% in 2010 to 6.6% in 2024.
Among men, the reduction was from 41.4% in 2010 to 32.5% in 2024.
But one in five of adults globally still uses tobacco.
Smoking is linked to many conditions, including cancer.
Specialists state vaping is far less dangerous than cigarettes, and can assist you quit smoking. It is not recommended for non-smokers.
Vaping devices avoid burning tobacco and do not create resin or CO, a pair of the most damaging components in tobacco fumes. They contain nicotine, which can be habit-forming.
