World No Tobacco Day 2025: Vaping Poses Greater Risks Than Cigarettes, Experts Warn

On the eve of World No Tobacco Day 2025, health experts and advocacy groups have raised alarms about the escalating dangers of vaping, particularly among Indian youth. At a seminar organized by Mothers Against Vaping, specialists highlighted how e-cigarettes, often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, may pose even greater health risks. Jaspal Singh, Special Commissioner of Police for Protective Security, Delhi, emphasized the potential for vapes to be used for consuming hard drugs, based on confessions from users. He noted that the accessibility and allure of these devices amplify their threat.

The seminar shed light on the role of social media influencers in promoting vaping, often disguising their endorsements as lifestyle content. Through engaging videos, reviews, and smoke tricks, influencers portray vaping as trendy and sophisticated, appealing especially to younger audiences. This marketing strategy has been criticized for glamorizing a habit that carries significant health risks, despite the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) of 2019, which bans e-cigarettes in India.

Mothers Against Vaping also released a report exposing the tactics of global vaping brands that exploit digital platforms and influencer marketing to bypass PECA regulations. These companies use subtle advertising methods to maintain a presence in India’s online spaces, targeting impressionable youth. In response, authorities have issued guidelines for schools and launched programs to educate teachers about the dangers of vaping. Efforts are also underway to collaborate with digital creators to counter these promotional campaigns and raise awareness about the risks.

Singh stressed that manufacturers falsely promote vapes as tools for quitting smoking, when their primary aim appears to be attracting new, long-term users. To combat this, Delhi police are working to strengthen enforcement and public education initiatives to curb the spread of vaping among young people.