Worrying Figures of Users Now Engage in Vaping, Warns Global Health Body
In excess of 100 million individuals, comprising at least 15 million children, now use e-cigarettes, driving a new wave of nicotine habit, per current worldwide health data.
Children are, typically, nine times more likely than mature individuals to engage in vaping, per current international statistics.
Vaping devices are propelling a "new wave" of nicotine addiction, remarked a prominent health expert. "These devices are advertised as damage limitation but, truthfully, are ensnaring kids on nicotine sooner and endanger undermining years of advancement."
Teens Being 'Targeted'
"Millions of people are ceasing, or refraining from tobacco use because of tobacco regulation efforts by countries throughout the planet," the representative said.
"In response to this significant progress, the tobacco sector is resisting with new nicotine products, actively aiming at young people. Governments must take action more rapidly and stronger in implementing established tobacco-control regulations," the representative added.
The vaping numbers are a projection since several states - 109 in sum, and many in Africa and Southeast Asia - fail to collect data.
Per the analysis, as of this past February this period, at bare minimum 86 million e-cigarette consumers were mature individuals, mostly in developed states.
And at least 15 million adolescents between the ages of 13 and 15 already vape, based on research from 123 countries.
Although many states have attempted to introduce e-cigarette regulations to tackle child vaping in the past few years, by the close of 2024, 62 nations still had no regulation in operation, and 74 nations had no minimum age at which e-cigarettes can be purchased, reports the health organization.
Meanwhile, tobacco consumption has been dropping - from an estimated 1.38 billion users in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024.
Prevalence of tobacco usage among women fell the greatest - from 11% in 2010 to 6.6% in 2024.
With males, the reduction was from 41.4% in 2010 to 32.5% in 2024.
But 20% of mature individuals internationally yet employs tobacco.
Tobacco use is linked to several conditions, including cancer.
Professionals say vaping is significantly less dangerous than cigarettes, and can help you cease smoking. It is not recommended for non-smokers.
Vaping devices do not burn tobacco and do not produce tar or toxic gas, a couple of the most damaging elements in tobacco smoke. They include nicotine, which may be dependency-creating.
