The San Marino Health Authority, as reported by San Marino TV on December 19th, has issued a stark warning about the rising trend of e-cigarette use among young people. This warning underscores the need for increased public awareness and stronger regulation, particularly in light of new marketing strategies employed by the tobacco industry. These strategies include the use of enticing flavors, fragrances, and cartoon characters, tactics recently criticized by the World Health Organization for their appeal to younger audiences.
This cautionary statement from the San Marino Health Authority follows a decade-long study on e-cigarette use. The study’s findings are alarming: comparing data from 2014, 2018, and 2022, it’s evident that the prevalence of e-cigarette use among adolescents has nearly doubled.
Claudio Muccioli, the head of the health department, confirmed the concerning trend. According to a 2022 survey, the usage of e-cigarettes among high school students, particularly those in their second and fourth year, is on the rise. The survey reveals that 35% of respondents have used e-cigarettes occasionally, while 16% are daily users. Notably, the number of 15-year-old e-cigarette users has surpassed that of 14-year-olds.
The ease with which underage students can acquire e-cigarettes is a significant part of the problem. Despite legal age restrictions, many students reported having little trouble in obtaining these products.
The San Marino Health Authority’s warning is a call to action, highlighting the need for more stringent regulations to combat the increasingly aggressive marketing tactics targeting teenagers. This situation in San Marino, a small, independent state encircled by Italy, reflects a global challenge in public health, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the younger generation from the allure and potential harm of e-cigarettes.
