The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that e-cigarettes are driving a new wave of nicotine addiction worldwide. The agency reported that over 100 million people now use e-cigarettes globally, including at least 86 million adults, mostly in high-income countries.
Alarmingly, at least 15 million children aged 13-15 are vaping, and in countries with data, children are nine times more likely than adults to use e-cigarettes. WHO officials said this trend could undermine decades of progress in reducing tobacco use.
The number of tobacco users worldwide has dropped from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024. Women are quitting faster than men, with tobacco prevalence among women falling from 11 per cent in 2010 to 6.6 per cent in 2024. Men, however, still make up more than four out of five tobacco users globally.
WHO warned that the tobacco industry is aggressively marketing new nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches, targeting young people. Officials urged governments to strengthen tobacco control policies to prevent youth addiction and protect future generations.
