Is the Tobacco Industry Fueling a New Era of Nicotine Addiction Through E-Cigarettes?
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Synopsis
The WHO has revealed alarming e-cigarette statistics, indicating a surge in nicotine addiction despite declining tobacco use. Over 100 million are now vaping, including 15 million children. This poses challenges to tobacco control efforts, as the industry targets youth with new products. Urgent action is needed to protect future generations.
Key Takeaways
- Over 100 million people are now vaping globally.
- At least 15 million children aged 13-15 are e-cigarette users.
- Tobacco usage has declined from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024.
- Women are leading the charge in quitting tobacco, reaching targets early.
- The tobacco industry is innovating to attract young users.
New Delhi, Oct 7 (NationPress) Despite a decline in tobacco users in recent years, the industry has implemented new tactics that are instigating a fresh surge of nicotine dependency through e-cigarettes, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
For the first time, the WHO's new global report reveals alarming figures regarding e-cigarette usage—over 100 million individuals around the globe are now vaping. Approximately 86 million of these users are adults, primarily hailing from high-income nations.
Significantly, at least 15 million minors (ages 13-15) have already adopted e-cigarettes. In regions where data is available, children are on average nine times more likely to vape than adults.
The WHO emphasizes that this trend undermines the advancements made in controlling tobacco consumption, indicating that the tobacco crisis is far from resolved.
“Millions are either quitting or have avoided tobacco use due to effective control measures enacted worldwide,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“In light of these notable achievements, the tobacco industry is retaliating with new nicotine products that aggressively target youth. It is imperative that governments expedite and strengthen the enforcement of proven tobacco control measures,” he added.
The report indicates a reduction in tobacco users from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion by 2024.
Since 2010, the tobacco user population has decreased by 120 million—a relative drop of 27 percent. Nonetheless, tobacco addiction still affects one in five adults globally, resulting in millions of preventable deaths annually.
The tobacco sector continues to roll out a continuous stream of novel products and technologies to promote tobacco dependency not just through cigarettes but also via e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products, all of which are detrimental to health. Alarmingly, this impacts the well-being of younger generations, including youths and adolescents, the WHO reported.
“E-cigarettes are instigating a new wave of nicotine dependency,” remarked Etienne Krug, WHO Director of Health Determinants, Promotion, and Prevention Department.
“They are advertised as harm-reduction solutions, but in reality, they are ensnaring children in nicotine habits earlier and jeopardizing decades of progress,” Krug added.
Furthermore, the report highlights that women are at the forefront of quitting tobacco—achieving the global reduction target for 2025 five years ahead of schedule.
The rate of tobacco usage among women has decreased from 11 percent in 2010 to just 6.6 percent in 2024, with female tobacco users declining from 277 million in 2010 to 206 million in 2024.
In contrast, men are not expected to meet the goal until 2031, with over four out of five tobacco users globally being men. Although the prevalence among men has dropped from 41.4 percent in 2010 to 32.5 percent in 2024, the pace of change remains insufficient.
Point of View
It is evident that the tobacco industry's relentless pursuit of profit through innovative nicotine products poses a significant threat to public health. The alarming rise in e-cigarette usage among young people underscores the urgent need for comprehensive tobacco control strategies. As a nation, we must prioritize the health of our citizens, particularly our youth, by enforcing effective policies that curb tobacco use and safeguard future generations.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the WHO report say about e-cigarette use?
The WHO report reveals that over 100 million individuals globally are using e-cigarettes, including 15 million minors, highlighting alarming trends in nicotine addiction.
How is the tobacco industry targeting young people?
The tobacco industry is introducing new nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, which are aggressively marketed to young audiences, contributing to rising addiction rates.
What progress has been made in reducing tobacco use?
Tobacco use has decreased from 1.38 billion users in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024, showcasing the impact of global tobacco control efforts.
