Vaping Epidemic Sweeping Colombian Youth: Experts Sound Alarm

Vaping Concerns Rise Among Colombian Youth: Experts Urge Stricter Regulations Bogota, Colombia – A recent report by Noticias Caracol highlights a growing concern: the increasing use of vaping devices among Colombian youth. The report, released on June 1st, 2025, cites alarming statistics showing a 25% increase in vaping among students in grades 7-11 from 2022 to 2023. Among university students, the numbers are even more concerning, with 37.9% reporting having used vaping devices at least once. "These so-called vapes are electronic cigarettes," explains Alejandra Cañas, a pulmonologist at Hospital San Ignacio. "They contain three elements: a battery, a cartridge, and a heating mechanism. The cartridge contains nicotine, which is highly addictive." The report also features Gloria Bernal, Director of the Economics of Education Laboratory at the Universidad Javeriana, who emphasizes the pervasiveness of vaping among young people. "Vaping is now the second most commonly used substance among secondary school students, after alcohol," she states. While a recent Colombian law prohibits the sale of vaping products to minors, experts believe stricter measures are needed to combat this growing public health crisis. The report concludes with a call for increased awareness and prevention programs to protect young Colombians from the dangers of vaping.