The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has called for stronger regional action to protect young people from rising tobacco and nicotine addiction, highlighting both progress in tobacco control and emerging risks from new nicotine products.
The warning comes ahead of World No Tobacco Day (May 31) and reflects growing concern across the Americas about increased youth exposure to electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and other alternative tobacco products. PAHO emphasized that the tobacco industry continues to target young audiences through marketing strategies that present these products as modern or safer alternatives.
According to Pan American Health Organization, around 4.3 million adolescents aged 13 to 15 in the region use tobacco products, including millions who smoke cigarettes or use electronic cigarettes. Health experts warn that early nicotine exposure can severely affect brain development and increase the risk of lifelong addiction.
PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa stressed that tobacco and nicotine products are intentionally designed to increase addiction, particularly among youth, through the use of flavors and additives that mask harsh effects and encourage continued use.
Despite these concerns, the organization noted significant progress across the region. Several countries have strengthened tobacco control laws, including bans on flavored products, restrictions on packaging, higher tobacco taxes, and expanded smoke-free environments. These measures are part of broader efforts to reduce preventable disease and death linked to tobacco use.
Health officials emphasized that all nicotine-containing products carry risks, including cigarettes, vaping devices, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches. Even low levels of exposure can lead to addiction, making prevention and early intervention critical for protecting adolescents.
PAHO is urging governments and communities to accelerate evidence-based policies such as banning tobacco advertising, eliminating flavors, enforcing plain packaging, increasing taxes, and expanding access to cessation services. The organization also highlighted the importance of smoke-free public spaces to reduce exposure and protect public health.
Tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of death globally, contributing to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses. PAHO reiterated that sustained policy action is essential to prevent addiction and safeguard future generations from the harms of tobacco and nicotine products.
