E-cigarettes popular among one in nine Brazilian teens
A survey by the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), released this week, found that one in nine Brazilian teenagers report using electronic cigarettes. The study surveyed approximately 16,000 people aged 14 and over from all regions of the country.
According to the research, the number of young people who use e-cigarettes is already five times higher than those who smoke traditional cigarettes. The data, collected between 2022 and 2024, come from the Third National Survey on Alcohol and Drugs (Lenad 3). This is the first edition of the survey to include vape use.
Although the product is banned in Brazil, Clarice Madruga—research coordinator and professor of psychiatry at Unifesp—points out that it is very easy to purchase the device online, which increases accessibility.
Another issue, the researcher points out, is the health risk, as the inhalation of highly toxic substances—such as nicotine—is significantly higher in e-cigarettes than in traditional ones. Madruga also expressed concern over the renewed rise in cigarette use following the success of anti-smoking policies introduced in the 1990s, which had previously curbed consumption.
“We had a major success story with policies that led to a steep decline in smoking. But a new challenge has completely disrupted that progress. Today, we’re seeing much higher consumption rates—especially among teenagers—which remain largely invisible,” she says.
Study participants were offered referrals for treatment at São Paulo Hospital and the Unifesp Comprehensive Mental Health Care Center.
