Düsseldorf, November 4, 2024 – The use of Vapes in Germany is on the rise, particularly among young people, according to a new study on smoking behavior published today in the international journal Addiction. Conducted by the University Clinic of Düsseldorf, the study highlights a troubling trend: while traditional cigarette smoking remains persistently high, e-cigarette consumption has increased significantly, with disposable Vapes growing particularly popular among the youth.
Study Findings: Rise in Vape Usage
Between 2016 and 2023, researchers conducted the “German Smoking Behavior Survey,” interviewing a total of 92,327 individuals aged 14 and older. They found that e-cigarette use in Germany rose by approximately 38% over this period, with 2.2% of the population now using Vapes. Meanwhile, the proportion of people smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes has remained high at around 30%.
The study found that single-use Vapes, pod systems, and tank models are the most common types of Vapes available in Germany. However, single-use Vapes have seen the most rapid growth in usage, now dominating the German market. These disposable models, designed to be discarded after about 600 puffs, have surged in popularity due to their variety of flavors and colorful designs, which particularly appeal to younger users.
Concerning Trends Among Young People
Study leader Prof. Dr. Daniel Kotz and his team are especially concerned about the increasing e-cigarette usage among young people. Dr. Stephanie Klosterhalfen from the Centre for Health and Society at Heinrich Heine University notes, “We view this trend with concern, as the attractive design and flavor diversity make disposable Vapes particularly appealing to young individuals.”
The study shows that those who use disposable Vapes are on average about four years younger than users of pod or tank models. Additionally, disposable e-cigarette users are more often female and tend to use both Vapes and traditional cigarettes, increasing their risk of nicotine addiction and long-term health consequences.
Call for Stronger Regulation
The researchers call for stronger regulatory measures to protect the public, especially young people, from the health risks associated with nicotine and tobacco products. They advocate for higher taxation, reduced availability and visibility of these products, and the creation of smoke-free environments. “Germany lags behind other European countries in implementing protective legislation for nicotine and tobacco products,” Prof. Dr. Kotz emphasized, “especially when it comes to protecting young people from the risks of addiction and future health issues.”
The findings underscore the need for immediate action to address the growing trend of vape use and to create stricter safeguards for vulnerable populations.
