WHO report warns on rising E-cigarette use among teens
The World Health Organization (WHO) released an important report on 6 October 2025, presenting for the first time a comprehensive global estimate on the use of e-cigarettes (electronic cigarettes). According to this report, nearly 15 million adolescents aged between 13 and 15 years are currently using e-cigarettes worldwide. This figure is deeply concerning, as in countries where data is available, e-cigarette use among teenagers is nearly nine times higher compared to adults. The report not only highlights the decline in tobacco use but also identifies the rising trend of e-cigarettes as an emerging public health crisis.
Tobacco declines globally, but e-cigarettes rise
WHO’s findings show that while in 2000 there were 1.38 billion tobacco users, the number fell to 1.2 billion by 2024. This decline is the result of effective tobacco control measures. However, in sharp contrast, e-cigarette use has been rising rapidly. The report notes that over 100 million people worldwide are now vaping, including nearly 86 million adults, most of them living in high-income countries.
Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department for Health Promotion, described e-cigarettes as a “new wave of nicotine,” warning that these products have become a fresh avenue to hook children and young people to addiction. “They are marketed as harm-reduction tools, but in reality, they are lowering the age of addiction and threatening decades of progress,” he cautioned. Simply put, while e-cigarettes are often seen as aids for quitting smoking, they are simultaneously drawing children into nicotine dependence.
Alarming figures among adolescents
The report singles out the 13–15 age group as a major concern. In countries where data is available, teenagers are found to use e-cigarettes almost nine times more than adults. At least 15 million adolescents are now using these devices — a warning sign that the younger generation is increasingly exposed to serious health risks. This trend also highlights how, even in countries with strict tobacco controls and declining youth smoking rates, the accessibility and appeal of e-cigarettes are expanding rapidly.
Regional differences in tobacco use
In the South-East Asia region, tobacco use has dropped sharply. Among men, usage has declined from 70% in 2000 to 37% in 2024, reflecting greater awareness and the success of control measures. Europe, however, remains the largest consumer of tobacco, with 24.1% of the population using it. Notably, the region also has the highest smoking prevalence among women worldwide at 17.4%.
Tobacco industry’s new focus
The report warns that tobacco companies are shifting their focus towards new nicotine products such as e-cigarettes to offset declining sales of traditional tobacco. These products are increasingly replacing conventional cigarettes and are being deliberately marketed to younger audiences. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the tobacco industry has been “aggressively targeting young people,” urging governments to act swiftly and decisively.
E-cigarettes: A quitting aid or a new addiction?
According to a 2024 review by the Cochrane Health Research Network, e-cigarettes may be more effective than nicotine patches and gums in helping people quit smoking. However, there remains a lack of sufficient scientific evidence on their long-term health impact. This uncertainty poses a major challenge for policymakers, as e-cigarettes may both aid smoking cessation and simultaneously trap a new generation into nicotine addiction.
WHO recommendations and call to governments
WHO has strongly appealed to governments to tighten tobacco control laws and closely regulate new nicotine products like e-cigarettes. Protecting young people from these addictive substances is essential to curb the growing risk of nicotine dependence. The report further highlights that nearly one in five adults worldwide still uses tobacco, underlining that the problem continues to be a major public health challenge.
Governments are urged not only to restrict the promotion of traditional tobacco products but also to regulate e-cigarettes and other nicotine-based products. Safeguarding children and teenagers from exposure, enforcing strict rules on sales, and implementing awareness campaigns and education in schools are critical steps towards effective control.
Conclusion
WHO’s latest report underscores that despite the global decline in tobacco use, the rise of e-cigarettes — especially among teenagers — has emerged as a new health threat. This growing addiction risks undermining decades of progress in tobacco control. At a time when tobacco companies are adapting new strategies to capture young consumers, it is imperative for governments and health organisations to enforce strong and effective regulations, ensuring that the younger generation is protected and public health remains safeguarded.
Disclaimer: This report has been issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the information presented is based on currently available data. Its purpose is solely to provide public health information and not to promote or endorse any product or company.
Also Read
