A recent study by the NGO Cedro highlights a worrying increase in e-cigarette use among Peruvian adolescents, driven by appealing designs, flavors, and social influences. Data from 2025 shows that over 20% of students aged 12-17 have vaped in the last month, with initiation starting as early as 10 years old. The normalization of vaping among friends and family is a key contributing factor.
Key Takeaways:
- High Usage Rates: Over 40% of surveyed students have tried vaping; >20% are current users.
- Early Onset: Tobacco consumption can begin as early as age 10.
- Health Risks: Vapes contain nicotine and over 7,000 substances, posing serious lung risks.
- Social Influence: Significant peer and family consumption normalizes the habit.
More than 20% of students aged 12 to 17 in key Peruvian regions reported using e-cigarettes in the last month, according to a concerning new survey by the NGO Cedro. This sharp rise in adolescent vaping is being fueled by clever marketing that masks the dangers of nicotine with technological appeal and pleasant aromas, effectively countering the social stigma associated with traditional smoking.
The Cedro Study: A Snapshot of Adolescent Vaping
Eva Chanamé, a representative from Cedro, presented the findings of their 2025 study, which surveyed 3,419 schoolchildren in Pucallpa, Arequipa, Trujillo, and the San Juan de Miraflores district of Lima. The results paint a troubling picture of widespread experimentation and regular use.
| Metric | Finding |
|---|---|
| Lifetime Use | Over 40% of students have tried vaping at least once. |
| Current Use (Last 30 Days) | Over 20% of students aged 12-17 are active users. |
| Age of Initiation | Tobacco use can start as early as 10 years old. |
| Peak Consumption | Highest usage rates are seen between ages 14 and 15. |
Debunking the "Harmless" Myth
Chanamé emphasized that e-cigarettes are far from risk-free. "It has nicotine and also has more than 7,000 substances," she explained. These devices contain additional chemicals to create flavors and maintain vapor, which can cause alterations in lung cells when inhaled. She warned that vaping is "as dangerous or more dangerous than a cigarette."
The market success of vapes is largely attributed to their design. By offering devices with technological aesthetics, lights, and pleasant scents, the industry has successfully bypassed the social rejection often triggered by the smell of traditional tobacco. Notably, Peru reportedly ranks first globally in the market share of flavor-capsule cigarettes.
The Role of Social Environment
The influence of friends and family plays a critical role in normalizing this behavior. Cedro's surveys indicate that a significant percentage of adolescents have friends who consume these substances.
- Peer Pressure: In areas like Pucallpa and Trujillo, over 20-30% of teens report their friends smoke.
- Family Influence: Between 15% and 20% of students state that at least one family member consumes cigarettes.
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