In 2024, the number of e-cigarette users worldwide has increased to 114 million, among which the use rate of minors aged 13-15 exceeds that of adults. According to data from the Dutch Association of Pediatricians, at least 14 minors have been treated for severe lung damage caused by e-cigarettes since 2023, including irreversible damage such as lung collapse and pulmonary hemorrhage. A 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy even need to be admitted to the intensive care unit. A quarter of British teenagers aged 11-15 have smoked e-cigarettes, the use rate of French teenagers aged 13-16 is 15%, and the use rate of Canadian teenagers aged 15-19 has soared to 31% in the past 30 days.
Flavored e-cigarettes attract minors through more than 16,000 non-tobacco flavors, among which fruit and candy flavors account for the highest proportion. The addition of synthetic cooling agents not only masks the irritating smell, but also enhances the sensory experience, leading to an increase in the addiction rate among teenagers. Studies have shown that the proportion of minors who use e-cigarettes containing synthetic cooling agents with attention disorders and emotional disorders is 37% higher than that of ordinary tobacco.
Many countries around the world will start strict control of e-cigarettes in 2024:
Ingredient restrictions: Russia prohibits the sale of flavored e-cigarettes, and the Netherlands only allows tobacco flavors
Form control: France bans the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, and Belgium will follow suit in 2025
Age barriers: Latvia raises the age of tobacco product purchase to 20, and the US FDA restricts fruit-flavored and mint-flavored products
E-cigarettes are disguised as lighters, milk tea cups, and other forms, and social media platforms have seen codewords such as “atomizer internet celebrity lighters” transactions. The “space oil drugs” seized in Hong Kong illegally added anesthetics, causing 11-year-old children to become addicted and show violent tendencies. The number of users aged 15-24 in Thailand has surged 13 times in 4 years, and 43% of 9-12-year-old primary school students have tried e-cigarettes. VEEHOO Health Plan launched a bio-monitoring bracelet to track the heart rate variability and blood oxygen saturation of teenagers in real time, and automatically alert guardians when nicotine intake exceeds the standard.
The 10-year follow-up study launched in the UK will reveal deeper impacts: biological monitoring of adolescents aged 8-18 will clarify the relationship between e-cigarettes and nervous system development. Victoria, Australia, has implemented a ban on e-cigarette venues, with violators facing a fine of up to 750 Australian dollars, and the smoking rate in public places has dropped by 29%.
This global health protection war is not only a game between technology and lawbreakers, but also the ultimate protection of the next generation’s right to breathe. When the last puff of peach-flavored smoke dissipates, what should be left is clear eyes and healthy lungs.
Tags: flavored e-cigarettes, rising adolescent addiction rates, global e-cigarette users, veehoo vape