Increasing Popularity of E-cigarette Among Brazilian Youth

According to a report from Observatorio on September 22nd, research conducted by Federal University of Pelotas has revealed that one-fifth of Brazilian youngsters in the state of Rio Grande do Sul are using e-cigarettes. The survey also indicates that these devices, also known as e-cigarettes, are growing increasingly popular among young people aged between 18 and 24. In Brazil, the proportion of minors who have tried this product is 16.8%, while in the UK it is only 7%. At the end of this month, the Federal Senate in Brasília will hold a public hearing to discuss the importance of regulating e-cigarettes.

Despite the lack of regulation in Brazil, e-cigarettes are freely sold on the streets, which experts believe is a contributing factor to the increased risk for users. The absence of regulation means there is no oversight on their entry into the country, the illicit market they fuel, and the substances used in these devices.

Previous studies have indicated that in regulated countries, the proportion of consumers under the age of 18 is lower than that in Brazil, where the percentage of minors who have tried the product stands at 16.8%. In the case of the United Kingdom, the experimentation rate is reported to be 7%.

When we observe the evolution of young people trying e-cigarettes in regulated countries, we find that only 1% continue using them. As for the young audience, I cannot even conduct research on it. Why can't I do health studies on e-cigarettes in Brazil? Because even the import of this product is prohibited for research purposes," said researcher Alessandra Bastos.

According to reports, the Federal Senate in Brasilia will hold a public hearing at the end of this month to discuss the importance of regulating e-cigarettes. Brazil needs to take action to ensure the health of young people.