Over 100 Million E-Cigarette Users Worldwide... One in Five Adults Still Smokes

1. Global Smoking Population Drops to 1.2 Billion
2. Women Quitting at a Faster Rate

Although the global smoking population is on the decline, one in five adults still smokes, according to recent findings.

According to a report recently released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on October 12, the number of smokers worldwide decreased from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024. Notably, it is estimated that the number of smokers has dropped by more than 120 million since 2010.

However, the number of e-cigarette users is rapidly increasing. For the first time, the WHO estimated the scale of e-cigarette use in this report. Currently, there are over 100 million e-cigarette users globally, with most residing in high-income countries. Among them, approximately 86 million are adults, and at least 15 million are adolescents aged 13 to 15.

Cigarette butts were discarded in a smoking area in downtown Seoul last June. Photo by Yonhap News

Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO Department for Social Determinants of Health, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, pointed out, "E-cigarettes are fueling a new wave of nicotine addiction." He added, "Decades of progress in tobacco control could be undone in an instant," emphasizing, "Governments must respond more swiftly and decisively."

The WHO noted that the tobacco industry is launching new products such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products, specifically targeting young people. Although these products are marketed as 'harmless alternatives,' in reality, they are creating a new generation addicted to nicotine.

From 2000 to 2024, smoking rates declined steadily among both men and women across all age groups, with women quitting at a faster rate. Among men, the smoking rate fell by about one-fifth, from 41.4% in 2010 to 32.5% in 2024. For women, the rate dropped by nearly half, from 11.1% in 2010 to 6.6% in 2024.

(This photo is not directly related to the article.) Pixabay

In Southeast Asia, the male smoking rate dropped from 70% in 2000 to 37% in 2024, nearly halving. In Africa, the smoking rate is the lowest at 9.5%, putting the region on track to meet its targets; however, as the population grows, the absolute number of smokers continues to rise. In the Americas, the smoking rate declined to around 14% in 2024.

Europe still records the highest smoking rates. In 2024, the adult smoking rate stands at 24.1%, with the female smoking rate at 17.4%, both higher than in other regions.

The WHO called for stricter regulations on new nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, and a ban on marketing to young people. The organization also emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, including raising tobacco taxes, implementing a total ban on advertising, and expanding smoking cessation treatment services.