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Vapes Hook Europe's Youth Despite Tobacco Decline
26 Feb
Summary
- Young Europeans are increasingly using vaping and flavored products.
- Europe may remain world's largest tobacco consumer by 2030.
- WHO urges action to protect youth from nicotine addiction.
The World Health Organization has reported a significant rise in vaping and novel tobacco product use among young people across Europe, despite an overall decline in traditional tobacco consumption. The European region, encompassing 53 countries, is on track to remain the world's largest consumer of tobacco by 2030 if current trends persist.
Alarmingly, around 173 million individuals in the WHO European Region were tobacco users in 2024. A critical concern highlighted by the WHO is the escalating use of e-cigarettes among adolescents aged 13 to 15, with a prevalence of 14.3 percent, nearly equal for boys and girls. This trend mirrors adult usage, where the region has the second-highest prevalence globally.
Industry strategies, including flavored products and social media marketing, are identified as key drivers in targeting young people. Some countries, like Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands, have shown success in regulating novel products, banning flavors, and restricting advertising. The WHO is calling for all countries in the region to adopt similar measures to protect future generations and prevent a lifetime of harm.
