By: Xolani Khumalo
The World Health Organisation says that e-cigarettes are fuelling an “alarming” new wave of nicotine addiction, with millions of children now hooked on vaping.
In countries that have the data, children are on average nine times more likely than adults to vape.
The World Health Organization has accused the vaping industry of misleading the public by promoting e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, while in reality targeting young people and fueling nicotine addiction among children.
According to the WHO’s first global estimate, more than 100 million people worldwide are now using e-cigarettes including around 86 million adults, mainly in wealthier countries, and about 15 million children between the ages of 13 and 15.
WHO Assistant Director-General Jeremy Farrar warned that vaping often serves as a gateway to tobacco use, keeping young people hooked on nicotine as they grow older.
