While anti-tobacco campaigns have reduced smoking among many elderly people, the use of tobacco and nicotine products has increased among children and young adults, said R. Narasimhan, Chairman, Respiratory Research Foundation of India and Senior Respiratory Physician at Apollo Hospitals.Addressing the media on World No Tobacco Day 2026 at the Chennai Press Club on Friday (May 29, 2026), Dr. Narasimhan expressed concern over the growing addiction to vaping among youngsters. He said attractive flavours, stylish designs, and catchy advertisements are drawing teenagers towards e-cigarettes and vaping products. He warned that vaping can cause inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, asthma, and permanent lung damage due to exposure to harmful chemicals and nicotine.Dr. Narasimhan stressed that e-cigarettes are not a safer alternative to tobacco. Treatment for smoking-related lung diseases is expensive, and obtaining insurance coverage for such treatments is often difficult.He urged the government to prevent the sale of vaping products near schools and in small shops accessible to children. He added that anti-nicotine products that are non-addictive, along with counselling, may help people quit smoking, but strong willpower remains essential to overcome addiction and build a tobacco-free society. Published - May 30, 2026 01:49 pm IST