WHO Warns 40 Million Children Worldwide Use Tobacco Products
WHO Warns 40 Million Children Worldwide Use Tobacco Products
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The World Health Organization has warned of rising tobacco and nicotine use among children and adolescents, saying nearly 40 million children worldwide use tobacco products.
The warning comes amid growing concern over electronic cigarettes and other nicotine products marketed in ways that appeal to young people. WHO estimates that at least 15 million adolescents aged 13 to 15 use e-cigarettes globally, with young people in countries with available data far more likely to vape than adults.
Globally, tobacco use remains one of the world’s leading preventable causes of death. WHO data indicate that about 1.2 billion people use tobacco, with most living in low- and middle-income countries. Tobacco-related illness continues to create heavy health and economic burdens, particularly in developing nations.
The organization has called on governments to strengthen prevention measures, including banning flavored products, restricting tobacco and nicotine advertising, expanding smoke-free spaces, and tightening regulation of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. WHO has also warned that loosely regulated nicotine products could fuel youth addiction.
Health experts say prevention campaigns must focus on adolescents, peer influence, and the long-term risks of tobacco, including heart disease, respiratory illness, and cancer.
