WHO Raises Alarm Over Rising Nicotine Addiction Among Youths

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed significant concern regarding the increasing prevalence of nicotine addiction among adolescents globally. This issue is set to be a central topic at the upcoming meeting in Geneva, where representatives from 183 countries, including Germany, will gather to address the challenges posed by tobacco and nicotine use among young people.

According to recent WHO estimates, approximately 15 million individuals aged 13 to 15 are already using e-cigarettes. These products have become especially popular among teenagers, surpassing traditional cigarettes in usage rates. Data from the United States shows that daily e-cigarette use among school students almost doubled between 2020 and 2024, highlighting a growing trend that is mirrored in other regions.

The global framework to combat tobacco use, known as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), has been in effect for two decades. This international treaty obliges member nations to implement measures such as advertising bans, elevated taxes on tobacco products, and policies to limit industry influence over public health initiatives. The upcoming Geneva conference aims to invigorate global efforts against the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine products.

Each year, tobacco use accounts for approximately seven million deaths worldwide, underscoring the scale of the public health crisis. In addition to the health hazards, the environmental impact of tobacco consumption is considerable. Cigarette filters, which are predominantly composed of plastic, contribute to widespread pollution, as billions of discarded filter tips release toxins into natural ecosystems.

In preparation for the conference, a panel of experts has developed a series of proposed actions to further strengthen global anti-tobacco efforts. Among the key recommendations is a ban on flavor additives in e-cigarettes and related products. Flavored nicotine products are seen as highly appealing to younger demographics, increasing the risk of early addiction. Experts argue that restricting flavors could reduce the attractiveness of these products to minors and help curb the upward trend in youth nicotine use.

Another significant proposal is the prohibition of cigarette filters. Apart from the misleading perception that filtered cigarettes are less harmful, filters are a major source of environmental contamination. The plastic and chemical residue from trillions of discarded filters pose a persistent threat to land and marine environments worldwide.

The Geneva conference will run until November 22, bringing together policymakers, health officials, and public health advocates to review progress and coordinate future strategies against tobacco and nicotine use. Following this event, representatives from 71 countries that have endorsed the protocol to eliminate illegal trade in tobacco products will also convene in Geneva to discuss enforcement and regulatory measures.

As the global community continues to confront the challenges posed by tobacco and nicotine addiction, especially among the younger generation, the emphasis remains on comprehensive regulation, public education, and environmental protection. The outcomes of these high-level meetings are expected to shape international health policy and influence national legislation in the ongoing fight against tobacco-related harm.