World No Tobacco Day: A hidden poison

From sweet fruity flavors to trendy designs resembling tech gadgets, e-cigarettes and next-generation nicotine products are being promoted as a “safer” option. But behind that attractive facade remains nicotine – a toxic addictive substance silently drawing millions of young people into a new cycle of dependence.

As traditional cigarettes increasingly lost societal acceptance, the nicotine industry quickly shifted its strategy to retain consumers. The addictive substance, once associated with cigarette packs bearing warning images about diseases, now sports a new look: more aromatic, more compact, and distinctly technological.

Smoking harms bone health in several ways. Photo: ETV Bharat

Exposing the illusion of attraction.

Products disguised as "strawberry ice cream," "cotton candy," "peach tea," or "mint" are rampant on social media, promoted as fashion accessories or cutting-edge technology devices. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), behind that glamorous facade lies nicotine – an addictive substance that can directly affect the brain, and is particularly dangerous for teenagers.

On this year's World No Tobacco Day, May 31st, the WHO has chosen the theme "Unmasking the Deceptive Appeal - Action to Combat Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction," to warn against the increasingly sophisticated marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. Over the past two decades, anti-tobacco campaigns have achieved many positive results. The WHO reports that the number of tobacco users worldwide has decreased from 1.38 billion in 2000 to approximately 1.2 billion in 2024.

However, as the traditional cigarette market shrank, the industry quickly shifted towards new products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, nicotine pouches, and synthetic nicotine.

These products are often marketed with messages such as "cleaner," "less harmful," or "helps quit smoking." However, the WHO emphasizes that such approaches can lead consumers, especially young people, to underestimate the addictive risks of nicotine.

Huge damage

Tobacco currently claims more than 8 million lives annually worldwide, with approximately 1.6 million deaths attributed to passive smoking. Besides lung cancer, tobacco is directly linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infertility, and numerous mental health disorders. The global economic damage caused by tobacco currently exceeds $1.4 trillion per year, equivalent to 1.8% of the world's GDP. More than 80% of this burden falls on low- and middle-income countries.

What worries experts now is the rapid spread of nicotine among young people through the tactic of "flavoring" and building product imagery as a lifestyle icon.

The WHO reports that there are currently over 16,000 different flavors used in new nicotine products. These flavors help mask the harsh taste of nicotine, making it easier and more appealing to use. In addition, smoking devices are designed to be compact, such as USB drives, headphones, or electronic accessories, creating a modern and less suspicious feel. Many products use nicotine salts or synthetic nicotine at high concentrations, resulting in a smoother inhalation and faster absorption of nicotine into the body.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nicotine can affect brain development in adolescents, impairing memory, concentration, and behavioral control. Early nicotine use also increases the risk of dependence on other addictive substances later in life. The WHO estimates that there are currently more than 100 million e-cigarette users worldwide, of which at least 15 million are children and adolescents aged 13-15.

The digital environment is becoming the most effective marketing channel for these products. Approximately 78% of students aged 13-15 have been exposed to advertisements, promotions, or sponsorships related to tobacco and nicotine on the internet. The colorful images on social media platforms often only showcase sophistication and individuality, while almost never mentioning the health risks.

Besides e-cigarettes, the WHO also warns about the explosion of nicotine pouches – smokeless, odorless products being promoted as a “discreet” and “safe” option. According to the latest WHO report, global sales of nicotine pouches exceeded 23 billion units in 2024 and continue to grow rapidly. However, approximately 160 countries currently lack specific regulations for this type of product.

Many strong management measures

In response to the rapid development of next-generation nicotine, many countries have adopted strong regulatory measures. The United Kingdom passed legislation banning the sale of tobacco to those born in 2009 or later and prohibiting disposable e-cigarettes. Belgium became the first country in the European Union (EU) to completely ban disposable vapes. Australia only allows the sale of e-cigarettes in pharmacies with a doctor's prescription, while Singapore and Thailand continue to maintain strict penalties for their use.

In Vietnam, the rate of adult male smokers has decreased significantly over the past decade. However, the country still has approximately 15.8 million smokers and more than 40,000 tobacco-related deaths each year. The economic damage caused by tobacco is estimated at 108 trillion VND annually.

In response to this situation, the National Assembly issued Resolution 173/2024/QH15, completely banning the production, trading, import, transportation, storage, and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products from 2025. This step was highly praised by the WHO in the effort to protect public health.

World No Tobacco Day is now more than just a health awareness campaign; it's also a fight against perception manipulation. The WHO is calling on countries to increase tobacco taxes, ban advertising and flavors that appeal to young people, and tighten regulation of digital platforms.

Families, schools, and society also need to recognize that e-cigarettes are not harmless tech gadgets or symbols of individuality. Behind the fragrant vapor and trendy designs lies harmful nicotine. Exposing these "sweet traps" is a crucial part of the effort to protect future generations.

THANH PHUONG

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/ngay-the-gioi-khong-thuoc-la-chat-doc-nup-bong-a205943.html