The latest survey by the Federal University of São Paulo in Brazil shows that the usage rate of vapes among teenagers aged 14 and above has reached 11%, which is five times that of traditional cigarettes. Although vapes are banned in Brazil, the convenience of online purchase leads to their abuse, and they contain higher levels of toxic substances such as nicotine. Experts warn that this reverses the effectiveness of the tobacco control policy in the 1990s.
Key points:
- Astonishing data: The survey covered 16,000 people aged 14 and above (2022-2024); The usage rate of vapes among teenagers is 11.1%
- Regulatory dilemma: Vapes are banned in Brazil, but online shopping is rampant; they contain a higher concentration of highly toxic substances such as nicotine
- Policy regression: The achievements of tobacco control in the 1990s are being eroded by vapes. Tobacco consumption among teenagers has seen an “invisible” surge
- Research background: The first national survey to incorporate vape data (Lenad 3)
Brazil study: 11% of teens use vapes
According to a report by Agencia Brasil of Brazil on June 19th, a survey released by the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp) this week found that 11.1% of teenagers in Brazil use vapes. This study investigated approximately 16,000 people aged 14 and above from all over the country. Brazilian study: 11% of teenagers use vapes, and their consumption is five times that of traditional cigarettes
Studies show that the number of young people using vapes is already five times that of those who smoke traditional cigarettes. These data were collected during the period from 2022 to 2024 from the Third National Alcohol and Drug Survey (Lenad 3). This is the first time that the survey has covered the usage of vapes.
Although the product is banned in Brazil, Clarice Madruga, the research coordinator and professor of psychiatry at the United University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Brazil, pointed out that it is very easy to purchase the device online, which increases accessibility.
Researchers point out that another issue is the health risk, as the highly toxic substances (such as nicotine) inhaled by vapes are much higher than those in traditional cigarettes. Madriga is also concerned that cigarette consumption has risen again after the success of the anti-smoking policies introduced in the 1990s, which had previously effectively curtailed consumption.
- “The policies we formulated once led to a significant decrease in the smoking rate and achieved great success. But new challenges have completely hindered this process. Nowadays, we see a significant increase in tobacco consumption rates, especially among teenagers, which is still largely invisible.”
She said.
The research participants were referred to the São Paulo Hospital and the Unifesp Comprehensive Mental Health Care Center for treatment.
