26% of Luxembourg’s 16- to 24-Year-Olds Use E-Cigarettes

On Thursday 22 May 2025, Luxembourg’s Fondation Cancer (Cancer Foundation), together with the Ministry of Health and Social Security, presented the results of their joint annual survey, conducted by market research and polling organisation, ILRES, on smoking prevalence in Luxembourg in 2024.

The results of the survey indicate that smoking in Luxembourg in 2024 showed signs of decline, but there is growing concern about new uses emerging among younger people.

In 2024, 23% of residents aged sixteen and over reported that they smoked, including 15% daily and 8% occasionally. This figure marks a decrease compared to 2023, when 27% of this population reported smoking. While this trend is a positive sign, the authorities said a call for vigilance is warranted, as it needs to be confirmed over the long term.

Among sixteen- to-24- year-olds, behaviours are changing and show a marked consumption of alternative nicotine products. In 2024, 26% of this age group used e-cigarettes. Puffs (disposable e-cigarettes) were by far the most widespread in this age group, with a usage rate of 93%. Taste and pleasure were the main reasons cited for using these products. 16% of young people said they used nicotine pouches, described as a highly addictive product, the use of which is growing rapidly among younger people.

According to Margot Heirendt, Director of Fondation Cancer: "These results show that while traditional smoking is declining, new forms of consumption are replacing it among younger people. It is crucial to regulate these new nicotine products in order to protect our young people from the real dangers associated with these new products."

The survey also highlighted high exposure to second-hand smoke. 38% of residents reported being exposed to second-hand smoke indoors. 71% of the population reported outdoor exposure, particularly on terraces or at bus stops. Nearly a third of young people are exposed to it every day. The survey also noted that exposure harms young people's health and contributes to normalising tobacco use, thus facilitating its initiation. A strong desire to quit, but insufficient support systems, remains the major obstacle for smokers who want to quit, particularly among the unemployed, the self-employed and housewives. In 2024, 46% of smokers reported wanting to quit, with 34% having already attempted to do so in the past twelve months. Among young people, the desire to quit smoking was even stronger: 62% of sixteen- to-24- year-olds wanted to quit, and one in two had already tried. In 82% of cases, these attempts were made without support.

Starting on Saturday 31 May 2025, World No Tobacco Day, information cards will be distributed in hospitals and healthcare professionals' offices. Equipped with a QR code, they link to a platform centralising all the cessation aids available in Luxembourg, including specialised consultations, practical advice, nicotine replacement therapy and personalised support.