Even with advertising regulations in effect across all four nations, most young individuals still reported encountering e-cigarette promotions.

Exposure to e-cigarette advertising and young people's use of e-cigarettes: A four-country study
Go to source). This comes even as the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends banning all forms of e-cigarette advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. The study by the George Institute for Global Health was based on an online survey of about 1000 people in each country, in the age bracket of 15-30 years.
Youth Exposed to E-Cigarette Advertising Across Multiple Media Platforms
About 85 percent of respondents reported being exposed to e-cigarette advertising on at least one type of media platform. Exposure was more common on social media platforms, vape shops, supermarkets, petrol stations, among others. The average number of types of media to which the respondents were exposed was 5.TOP INSIGHT
Exposure to e-cigarette ads can change perceptions, heighten interest, and raise the likelihood of use. #e-cigarettes #vaping
“Urgent attention is needed to address these forms of exposure given their apparent association with e-cigarette use,” Pettigrew added. The use of e-cigarettes by children, adolescents, and young adults has raised substantial public health concern. These e-cigarettes not only increase exposure to nicotine, leading to a greater risk of addiction.
What is An Electronic Cigarette?
An electronic cigarette is a battery-operated device that emits a vaporized solution to inhale. Although less harmful than regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes contain ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. These can harm the lungs as well as brain development of adolescents and young adults. Meanwhile, in India, the possession of e-cigarettes and similar devices in any form, quantity or manner is banned.The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act (PECA) 2019, prohibits the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement of e-cigarettes.
Yet, 2023 data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reveals a significant increase in the number of e-cigarette users in India --over 100,000 users in 2023 from approximately 10,000 in 2019. The rapid growth is particularly noticeable among young people and adults under the age of 30.
Reference:
- Exposure to e-cigarette advertising and young people's use of e-cigarettes: A four-country study - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37881174/)
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