Adolescent vaping and wellbeing in Chile

Health surveys in Chile indicate rising concerns regarding adolescent vaping and general youth wellbeing. A national study by the Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization, involving over 7,000 students across 16 regions, found that one in three adolescents aged 13 to 15 has tried a vaporizer, with 14.8% using nicotine-containing devices within the last month.

Medical experts, including the executive director of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile’s Toxicological Information Center (CITUC), warn that these products are often perceived as harmless due to sweet flavors and colorful designs. However, they contain addictive nicotine, heavy metals, and solvents that can damage the developing brain. CITUC has reported a 400% increase in childhood poisonings related to e-cigarettes over a five-month period, noting that even small amounts of liquid can cause severe intoxication and hospitalizations in intensive care units, particularly among infants and children under two.

Regional data shows varying trends. In the Coquimbo Region, 9.5% of students aged 13 to 15 reported recent vape use, and 37.9% of non-tobacco users expressed future susceptibility. In the O’Higgins Region, 31 out of 100 students have used electronic cigarettes, while approximately 70% of students aged 13 to 15 believe secondhand smoke is not harmful. In the Maule Region, SENDA is conducting the ‘Youth and Wellbeing’ survey across 122 educational establishments to examine the relationship between substance use, quality of life, and emotional distress to strengthen prevention programs.