Latvia Faces Epidemic of Tobacco and Nicotine Consumption: 44% Youth Use Rate

Industry Insight by 2FIRSTS.ai

Jul.01.2024

Latvia Faces Epidemic of Tobacco and Nicotine Consumption: 44% Youth Use Rate

Latvia faces a tobacco epidemic with increasing number of smokers and rising youth e-cigarette use, according to a report on July 1 by ENG.ISM.

According to a report by ENG.ISM on July 1st, Latvia is facing an epidemic of tobacco and nicotine consumption. The number of smokers is once again on the rise, with e-cigarette usage doubling in certain age groups in just a few years. The age at which children first try e-cigarettes is also changing.

E-cigarettes are particularly popular among young people aged 15-24.

Iveta Pudule, senior public health analyst at the Disease Prevention and Control Center (SPKC), stated:

Since 2016, this percentage has increased from 22% to 44%, nearly doubling in size.

Many parents of children who smoke believe that the nicotine in e-cigarettes is less harmful than in regular cigarettes. They think that vaping is harmless, but in fact, it is not.

Renāte Snipe, Chief Pulmonologist at Children's Clinical University Hospital (BKUS), believes that e-cigarettes have a significant impact on children's lung function and brain development.

Disposable e-cigarettes are incredibly difficult to tackle because they are cheap. The affordable price makes them most attractive and accessible to young people. Additionally, of course, they also cause significant pollution.

Even though the new restrictions in Latvia are making it more difficult for the tobacco industry to operate, experts at Riga Stradins University (RSU) recently conducted a study and concluded that there is still room for improvement in the industry.

Director of the RSU Institute of Public Health, Anda Ķīvīte-Urtāne, stated that

Experts from the World Health Organization have calculated that taxes should be increased by at least 10% and applied to all nicotine products. We have not kept up with this increase in prices. In fact, considering inflation, the new rate of increase is too slow to have an impact on consumption habits.

Public health experts have concluded that overall, nicotine control policies are quite comprehensive, but the most important issue is the lack of practical assistance for those who want to quit smoking. Additionally, there is insufficient education for school children on this matter.

References:

[1] Smoking rates rise in Latvia, say public health experts

Also Read:

[1] Latvia Government Strengthens Tobacco Control to Protect Non-Smokers Rights

[2] Latvia Passes Law Restricting Tobacco Sales to Minors and Flavored E-cigarettes

[3] Latvia Imposes Fines for Minors' Possession of E-cigarettes

[4] Latvia to Increase Taxes on Tobacco and E-cigarettes

#Europe #Disposable e-cigarettes #Regulation #Latvia

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Melaka Cracks Down on Unlicensed Vape Retailers with Fines and Seizures

Melaka’s local authorities are intensifying enforcement against unlicensed e-cigarette retailers by issuing notices, imposing fines, and seizing illegal products. State executive councillor Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said only premises meeting the required conditions will be granted trading licences under the Licensing of Trades (Local Authorities) By-Laws 2010.

Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Poll Shows Britons Favor Regulation Over Bans on Nicotine Pouches

A new poll commissioned by We Vape UK reveals that most Britons favor regulation — not prohibition — of nicotine pouches. The survey shows broad public support for harm-reduction policies and frustration with weak government regulation, contrasting sharply with Ireland’s recent decision to ban disposable vapes and impose strict limits on nicotine products.

Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Kyrgyzstan considers six-month ban on e-cigarette and e-cigarettee-liquid imports

According to Kyrgyz media, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has launched a public discussion on a draft decree proposing a six-month ban on the import of e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing liquids. The measure, based on Article 15-1 of the Law “On Protecting Citizens’ Health from the Consequences of Tobacco and Nicotine Use,” aims to safeguard public health and prevent youth nicotine addiction.

Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Russian State Duma Passes Ban on Tobacco and Vape Sales at Public Transport Stops

Russia’s State Duma has approved, in its third reading, a law banning the sale of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes at public transport stops. The measure expands existing restrictions on tobacco sales at transport infrastructure facilities and aims to reduce accessibility, particularly among young people. The law includes an exemption for small settlements where such kiosks are the only sales points and will take effect on September 1, 2026.