Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death globally, burdening public health systems.

The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill ,which seeks to enforce plain packaging and expand smoke free public areas, is currently before Parliament.

Speaking at the World No Tobacco Day stakeholder engagement session in, Johannesburg, Gauteng province, Phaahla said the rise in teen vaping is alarming and it’s fuelling a new generation of nicotine addiction.

Phaahla emphasises that a recent study revealed that one in five high school learners is currently vaping with some classes reporting figures as high as one in three, or even in some cases, one out of every two learners already been involved with this product.

“These young people are being hooked on nicotine early placing them at them at risk of anxiety, depression, poor school performance and other long term health consequences,” adds Phaahla.

--SABC--