‘Vapes are safe alternatives to smoking’ — and other lies they tell us

July 01, 2025 by mg.co.za

‘Vapes are safe alternatives to smoking’ — and other lies they tell us

Lekan Ayo-Yusuf discussed the 2025 WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic and the Tobacco Bill, emphasizing the industry's shift towards electronic devices like vapes and heated tobacco products. The report reveals how tobacco companies manipulate regulations, funding biased research, and promoting new products as harm-reduction tools. Ayo-Yusuf highlighted the ineffectiveness of these products in reducing harm and the industry's violation of tobacco laws. The Tobacco Bill aims to control the marketing and use of these products, especially among youth. Despite the rising popularity of vapes and heated tobacco in South Africa, Ayo-Yusuf expressed concerns about the increasing number of smokers and emphasized the need for stricter regulations.

20.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 8.6 million current smokers in South Africa 35.10% of men are current smokers but only 6.50% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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