WHO Reports Over 100 Million Vapers, Teen Usage Surges Globally

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a significant rise in e-cigarette use globally, with over 100 million people vaping, including at least 15 million adolescents, highlighting a concerning new wave of nicotine addiction predominantly among youth. Children are nine times more likely to vape than adults, and this trend risks reversing decades of progress in reducing tobacco use, which has declined from 1.38 billion users in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024. WHO leaders warn that the tobacco industry is aggressively targeting young people with new nicotine products such as vapes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco devices, urging governments to implement stronger tobacco control measures. Despite efforts in many countries, a significant number still lack regulations or minimum purchase ages for e-cigarettes, exacerbating the problem. Researchers are conducting long-term studies on the health impacts of vaping, particularly on lung health and as a smoking cessation tool, aiming to better understand its safety profile. Additionally, studies suggest a possible link between vaping and increased risk of prediabetes, though further research is needed to clarify these findings.