The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over the rapid rise of vaping worldwide, warning that e-cigarettes are driving a new wave of nicotine addiction and putting years of progress in tobacco control at risk.
In its first global estimate of vaping rates, the WHO found that more than 100 million people now use e-cigarettes, including around 86 million adults – mostly in high-income countries -and nearly 15 million children aged 13 to 15.
According to the report, 1.9% of adults worldwide vape, compared with 7.2% of teenagers. However, WHO experts warned that youth figures are “almost certainly an undercount,” with the data showing that vaping among 13 to 15-year-olds is nine times higher than among adults.
Aggressive accusations
The report accuses the vaping industry of “aggressively targeting children and young people,” using digital marketing and unregulated online platforms to attract new users.
“E-cigarettes are fuelling a new wave of nicotine addiction,” said Dr Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department for Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention.
“They are marketed as harm reduction, but in reality, they are hooking kids on nicotine earlier and risk undermining decades of progress.”
A new epidemic?
While traditional smoking rates continue to decline—from 1.38 billion people in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024—the WHO warned that “the tobacco epidemic is far from over.”
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, praised global efforts to reduce smoking but urged governments to act decisively against the rise of new nicotine products.
“Millions have stopped or avoided tobacco use thanks to strong public health policies,” he said.
“But the tobacco industry is fighting back with new products and misleading marketing. Governments must act faster and stronger to protect young people.”
Roy Castle joins calls for stricter laws
The UK’s leading lung cancer charity, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, backs the WHO’s call for tougher regulation.
Paula Chadwick, Chief Executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “We share the WHO’s deep concern about the growing number of young people who are taking up vaping. While e-cigarettes can play a role in helping adult quit smoking, they should never be marketed or made attractive to children.
“Nicotine addiction can have lifelong consequences, and we cannot afford to lose the progress we’ve made in reducing tobacco use. Clearer regulation and responsible messaging are vital to protect the next generation.”
The WHO urged all countries to strengthen tobacco and nicotine control laws, restrict youth access to e-cigarettes, and combat misleading claims that portray vaping as harmless.