Spain: a public health NGO calls for more regulation, control and prevention of vaping

The Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC) is calling on the Spanish government to strengthen regulation, controls, and prevention regarding vaping, particularly for minors. According to the ESTUDES survey, 49.5% of Spanish 14- to 18-year-olds have used an e-cigarette, and 27.1% did so in the past month—far higher than traditional tobacco use (27.3% and 15.5%, respectively). Experts note that adolescence is a critical period for brain development, and nicotine can impair attention, learning, and impulse control. Vaping aerosols also contain other potentially harmful substances. The group warns that e-cigarettes often serve as a gateway to nicotine addiction and later traditional smoking. Young people are drawn to attractive flavors, trendy appeal, social pressure, and a perceived lower risk. Social media further normalizes vaping. semFYC supports Spain's draft tobacco law, which would expand smoke-free areas and tighten restrictions on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches, and shisha, including advertising and sales to minors. However, the organization stresses that enforcement is key, especially regarding online access, third-party sales, flavorings, and risk perception. It advocates a long-term strategy combining regulation, monitoring, and regular education on product composition, addiction mechanisms, lifestyle, and digital promotional tactics. Delaying or preventing nicotine initiation remains a core public health goal.

(Source：Génération sans tabac)