According to a report from the German media outlet The Epoch Times on October 8th, e-cigarettes are increasingly becoming an entry-level product leading to nicotine addiction among minors. The latest data released has raised concerns among Germany's leading health insurance company, DAK.
This trend poses a threat to Germany's goal of achieving a smoke-free society by 2040, prompting DAK to call for a nationwide ban on disposable e-cigarettes.
According to a recent prevention strategy survey conducted by DAK, 7% of approximately 15,000 minors between the ages of 9 and 17 reported using e-cigarettes at least once a month. This percentage is higher than the previous year's figure of under 5% and the 2016 figure of 3.9%. This survey marks the first time in the past seven years that the number of students using e-cigarettes regularly has surpassed those using traditional tobacco and hookah.
According to DAK, e-cigarettes are said to have a higher nicotine release efficiency compared to other products. Andreas Storm, CEO of DAK, has stated that e-cigarettes have become the most significant gateway product for nicotine addiction among minors, increasing their risk of developing smoking habits in adulthood.
Storm pointed out that the fruity-flavored disposable e-cigarettes, coupled with their affordable prices, are highly appealing to the younger consumer demographic.
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