It was once presented as a “safer” alternative to traditional cigarettes. But today, more and more people are vaping, and they are increasingly younger. In Flanders, 42% of 17- to 18-year-olds occasionally use an e-cigarette. Oncologist Filip Lardon is sounding the alarm: quitting vaping is sometimes even harder than quitting smoking: “Many users are hooked from the very first puff.”

In schoolyards, train stations, and on outings, young people are increasingly seen using e-cigarettes, or "vapes," as they are commonly called today. According to the latest figures from VAD, the Flemish Center of Expertise on Alcohol and Other Drugs, 16% of 17- to 18-year-olds in the north of the country vape regularly. Among 15- to 16-year-olds, this percentage reaches 13%, and even among 12- to 14-year-olds, usage is already around 3%. If we include young people who vape occasionally, the figures climb to 42%, 31.5%, and 10% in these age groups, respectively.

The Belgian Cancer Foundation, which contributed to the first major Belgian survey on e-cigarette use in 2023, estimated that one in ten Belgians had already tried this product. And while 40% of users combine vaping with traditional tobacco, the majority of young vapers had not smoked before trying it.

Vaping remains marginal among older age groups: only 5% of adults vape regularly. “But if the rise in vaping continues, it will eventually appear in adult statistics as well,” argues the oncologist.

But is this product ultimately less harmful? “In itself, that’s true,” Lardon concedes. “With an e-cigarette, you inhale nicotine vapor directly into your lungs, without combustion or the production of tar and carbon monoxide, two very dangerous substances.” The chemical composition of the vapor is probably less harmful than that of traditional cigarettes.

“Vap epidemic”

Switching to vaping to quit smoking can therefore be a positive step, especially considering that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), half of all long-term smokers die prematurely due to smoking. To date, no deaths linked to the "vaping epidemic" have been identified.

The figures do indeed show a slight decrease in the number of young people smoking traditional cigarettes. “And this decrease clearly coincides with the rise of e-cigarettes,” the expert observes. He cautions, however: “Less harmful does not mean harmless. You are still introducing a chemical cocktail into your body, and often much more continuously than when you smoke tobacco. Vaporizing liquids also delivers heavy metals and other substances to the lungs, which in the long term can damage your DNA and cause genetic mutations—a known cause of cancer.”

Young people who find a way around

Nicotine also remains a highly addictive substance, and many e-cigarettes contain enormous quantities of it. “I recently analyzed a student's vape in our laboratories: it contained the nicotine equivalent of 400 cigarettes,” the doctor explains.

Since the sale and purchase of vaping products are prohibited for those under 18, the black market unfortunately represents the easiest access route for many teenagers. Furthermore, the increase in vaping is much faster than the decline in smoking, and the age at which people start vaping is significantly lower than the age at which they first smoke cigarettes.

“The popularity of vaping has increased significantly in recent years, thanks in part to an assortment of over 7,000 flavors, ranging from every imaginable fruit to popcorn or hot dog. Many new users are won over from the first puff, unlike with traditional cigarettes.”

However, some vapers later switch to cigarettes, or combine the two. “This dual use significantly increases health risks.”

Why quitting vaping is so difficult

Nicotine relaxes and strongly influences the brain's reward center. "In young people, this brain is still developing, especially before the age of 15. Normal programming can be disrupted by the powerful dopamine surges triggered by nicotine." The result: a malfunctioning reward system and an increased risk of concentration problems and addiction in general.

Another problem is that e-cigarettes remain extremely easy to access. “They are much simpler to use than cigarettes, their multiple flavors and nicotine salts irritate the throat less, and they can be used very discreetly,” emphasizes Filip Lardon.

With such high nicotine levels, quitting vaping can require even more perseverance than quitting smoking. “More and more young people admit they can no longer do without it. Fortunately, there are good methods to help significantly reduce consumption or even quit completely”:

Intentionally buy flavors you like less, so you're less tempted to vape.

Gradually reduce your nicotine intake by buying vapes with lower concentrations, or switch to nicotine-free liquids. “But beware of products of dubious origin, such as 'nicotine-free' vapes sold on Chinese websites. They often still contain nicotine.”

Consider nicotine replacement therapies, such as gum or patches: “In severe cases, there is also a medication, varenicline, which blocks nicotinic receptors in the brain and reduces cravings.” However, this medication has significant side effects, such as nausea. “And general practitioners cannot prescribe it to minors,” adds Lardon.

Vaping is strongly linked to habits. “Separating its use from your other daily rituals, such as scrolling through social media, can already make vaping less appealing.”

Seek social and professional support: “Quit together with friends, as you may have started together. For professional help, you can visit tabakstop.be or call the freephone number 0800 111 00.”