{
  "id": 14250510,
  "title": "Gulf Health Council warns youth: E-cigarettes are more dangerous than traditional ones",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/gulf-health-council-warns-youth-e-cigarettes-are-more-dangerous-than",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-13T17:17:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Saudi Gazette",
    "slug": "saudi-gazette",
    "url": "https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665389/saudi-arabia/gulf-health-council-warns-youth-e-cigarettes-are-more-dangerous-than-traditional-ones"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Gulf Health Council has issued a warning regarding the potential dangers of e-cigarettes, particularly for young individuals in the Gulf region. According to the World Health Organization, adolescents who use e-cigarettes are nearly three times more likely to transition to traditional cigarette smoking in the future. The Council's 2024 report estimates that around 37 million tobacco users globally fall within the age group of 13 to 15.\n\nAs part of its ongoing awareness campaign, \"Today Before Tomorrow,\" the Council has released an educational guide aimed at equipping young people with the tools to resist the temptation of non-traditional smoking products. The guide stresses that e-cigarettes are not safe and highlights the detrimental effects of nicotine on brain development, including impacts on attention, learning, mood, and impulse control up to the age of 25.\n\nThe guide also delves into the association between e-cigarette usage and the onset of anxiety and depression, as well as the risks posed by exposure to toxic and carcinogenic substances. Additionally, it outlines the adverse effects of smoking on various systems of the body, including cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal, oral, and dental health. The document further explores the impact of smoking on sleep quality and academic performance, as well as the risks associated with dual use of traditional and electronic cigarettes, as well as the dangers of misleading marketing practices.\n\nThe Council emphasizes the importance of a multi-faceted approach to prevention, involving families, educational institutions, and communities. This includes initiating early conversations with young people, offering age-appropriate information, fostering emotional regulation and problem-solving skills, and empowering them to navigate peer pressure and psychological and social stressors.",
  "summary": "RIYADH — The Gulf Health Council has warned of the dangers associated with the use of e-cigarettes, highlighting their potential long-term health consequences, particularly for young people.According to the World Health Organization, young people who use e-cigarettes are nearly three times more likely to take up traditional cigarette smoking later in life. The organization estimated in a 2024…",
  "key_points": [
    "E-cigarettes more dangerous than traditional ones for Gulf youth",
    "37 million global tobacco users aged 13-15, warns WHO",
    "E-cigarette use linked to anxiety, depression, health risks"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu",
        "title": "Brain damage to toddler: Health Department refers medical negligence case against hospital to Karnataka Medical Council",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/brain-damage-to-toddler-health-department-refers-medical-negligence",
        "published": "2026-10-13T17:35:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}