The nicotine Wild West: how SA birthed the next generation of nicotine addicts (opens original article in a new tab)

South Africa's unregulated e-cigarette market has led to rising teen nicotine addiction, with researchers urging urgent legislative action to control vaping products and their marketing.

• Electronic cigarettes have been unregulated in South Africa since 2012, leading to a surge in teen vaping and addiction.
• A 2024 study found 17% of high school learners vape, with 61% showing signs of nicotine addiction.
• The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, stalled since 2018, aims to ban vaping advertising and sales to minors.