Vaping Surge Among Teens Sparks Global Concern, Russia Tightens Laws
Alarming trends in vaping have come to light, with teens nine times more likely than adults to use these devices. Meanwhile, Russia has taken stern measures to protect its youth, and the global vaping community has reached a significant milestone.
The World Health Organization's first global study on e-cigarettes reveals that the number of vapers has surged to 100 million. This increase, coupled with the disproportionate use among teens, suggests a targeted influence by the industry on youth.
In Russia, President Vladimir Putin has signed a law in February 2025, hiking fines for selling vapes to children to a hefty 2 million rubles. The sale of vapes and their liquids to minors is already prohibited in the country. In a further crackdown, Putin supported an initiative in late August to empower regions to impose complete sales bans on electronic cigarettes.
While the global number of tobacco product consumers has decreased from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024, the rise in vaping, particularly among teens, is a cause for concern. Russia's stringent measures reflect a growing international recognition of the need to protect young people from the influence of the vaping industry.
