Can E-Cigarettes Curb Youth Smoking?

Can E-Cigarettes Curb Youth Smoking? On July 22, the National Health Commission stated that with the increasing use of e-cigarettes among youth, China plans to legislate to regulate e-cigarettes as part of its anti-smoking efforts.
 
Currently, the use of e-cigarettes in China is at a relatively low level, but it has increased compared to 2015, particularly among young people.

A survey conducted by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in May this year showed that the number of e-cigarette users in China accounted for 0.9% of the total population last year, up from 0.5% in 2015. It is estimated that there are about 10 million e-cigarette users aged 15 and above in China.

E-Cigarettes Induce Youth to Try Traditional Cigarettes

Some international studies indicate that the use of e-cigarettes can easily lead youth to try traditional cigarettes, accelerating the trend of younger smokers.

Mao Qun'an stated that to achieve a reduction in smoking rates, it is essential to prevent youth from trying tobacco. However, e-cigarettes can attract youth to try them in a fashionable way, which may lead to traditional tobacco use.

Therefore, strict regulation of e-cigarettes is necessary. The National Health Commission is currently conducting research on e-cigarette regulation in collaboration with relevant departments, planning to legislate for e-cigarette regulation.

Anti-Smoking Goals Proposed by the "Healthy China Action"

By 2030, the proportion of the population protected by comprehensive smoke-free regulations is expected to reach 80% or more.

By 2022, the goal is to establish smoke-free environments in all levels of party and government agencies and gradually implement a comprehensive smoking ban in all indoor public places, workplaces, and public transportation.