A third (32 percent) of young people between 15 and 20 years old used an electronic cigarette in the past year. This is evident from the results of a survey published by the Foundation against Cancer. The organization asks the Minister of Health to drastically limit the number of permitted flavors.
The online survey that the Foundation Against Cancer had carried out by independent research agency Indiville among 1,962 people, of whom 682 were 15 to 20 year olds, shows that 38 percent of the latter group had already vaped, 32 percent had done so in the past year and 16 percent currently still vaping.
Young people between the ages of 15 and 20 have a different relationship with e-cigarettes than those who are older. While e-cigarettes are more of a way to quit smoking for people over 20, for 15 to 20 year olds it is an activity in itself. The parents of more than 6 in 10 of these young people are not aware of their use.
The flavors of the e-cigarette play a huge role in its appeal, even more than the nicotine. Tasty flavors are a reason for use for 37 percent of vapers, while discovering new flavors is the reason for 15 percent.
The Foundation against Cancer asks Federal Minister of Health Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) to drastically reduce the number of permitted flavors and to implement a ban on the display of tobacco products in points of sale as soon as possible.
READ ALSO. Expert separates facts from myths about the e-cigarette: “Very effective for quitting smoking, but some products should be banned”
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