WHO Urges Stronger Tobacco And E-cigarette Regulations As Global Usage Shifts

Global E-cigarette Users Surpass 100 Million

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday, over 100 million people worldwide now use e-cigarettes. Among them, at least 86 million are adults in high-income countries, and about 15 million are adolescents aged 13 to 15.

 

Tobacco Use Declines but New Challenges Emerge

WHO data reveal that global tobacco users have declined from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024. While stricter regulations have contributed to this drop, tobacco companies have shifted their strategies toward new nicotine alternatives, such as e-cigarettes, to offset falling cigarette sales.

 

Health Concerns and Conflicting Evidence

WHO warns that e-cigarettes may trigger a new wave of nicotine addiction, especially among youth. However, some research suggests that vaping could be an effective tool to help smokers quit. The Cochrane Collaboration, a nonprofit research group, found in a 2024 review that smokers using e-cigarettes are more likely to quit than those using patches or gum. Still, researchers emphasize that long-term health effects remain uncertain.

 

Call for Global Enforcement and Oversight

WHO urges governments to strengthen tobacco control enforcement and expand regulation of new nicotine products to protect public health and prevent youth addiction.

 

 

 

Q1: How many people globally use e-cigarettes according to WHO?
A1: More than 100 million people worldwide.

 

Q2: What trend has WHO observed in tobacco usage since 2000?
A2: The number of tobacco users declined from 1.38 billion to 1.2 billion by 2024.

 

Q3: Why are tobacco companies promoting e-cigarettes?
A3: To offset the decline in traditional cigarette sales caused by stricter regulations.

 

Q4: What does WHO warn about e-cigarettes?
A4: They may cause a new wave of nicotine addiction, especially among teenagers.

 

Q5: What action does WHO call for globally?
A5: Stronger enforcement of tobacco control and regulation of new nicotine products.