French Health Agency Warns of Vaping Risks, Calls for Stricter Regulation
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A extensive review of nearly 3,000 scientific publications and reports has prompted French health authorities to issue a stark warning about the potential health risks of vaping, even in the absence of nicotine. The National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) is urging tighter controls on the industry, increased protections for young people, and a more cautious approach to vaping as a smoking cessation tool.
Vaping’s Growing Prevalence and Shifting Demographics
initially marketed as a safer option to customary cigarettes, vaping has become increasingly commonplace in France. According to the France 2024 Public Health Barometer, 7.9% of adults aged 18-79 currently vape, with 6.1% doing so daily – representing over 3 million people. while the majority of adult vapers (65%) continue to use tobacco, and nearly all (98%) are former smokers, a concerning trend is emerging among younger users. A full third of vapers aged 13 to 17 have never smoked before initiating vaping, highlighting the risk of nicotine addiction among a new generation.
The vaping market itself is rapidly evolving, with a proliferation of devices, flavors, and the practice of “do it yourself” (DIY) e-liquid mixing, where users customize ingredients and concentrations. Motivations for vaping range from smoking cessation and cost savings to sensory enjoyment, and, for some pregnant women, a perceived reduction in risk compared to conventional tobacco.Though, young people are particularly
total of 1,775 substances within these aerosols, with 106 flagged as particularly concerning. The agency’s assessment focused on aldehydes – including formaldehyde, acrolein, acetaldehyde, and glyoxal – all recognized for their toxic and carcinogenic properties and consistently detected in vaping emissions.
“The absence of combustion dose not eliminate these exposures,” ANSES emphasized, advocating for stronger consumer information regarding the risks of vaping and increased manufacturer responsibility for product safety. Stricter oversight of ingredients,potentially including restrictions or outright bans,is also recommended.One toxicologist advises prioritizing e-liquids with minimal ingredients and avoiding DIY mixing to prevent potentially harmful interactions. A pulmonologist at Dijon University Hospital underscored that the health risks of e-cigarettes are not simply attributable to individual ingredient choices, citing a “solid” link between vaping and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Protecting Youth and Regulating for Smokers
Considering these findings, ANSES is calling for measures to discourage vaping initiation, particularly among non-smokers and young people. The agency points to the influence of manufacturer marketing practices targeting adolescents with appealing flavors and products. Nicotine dependence and its impact on adolescent development are also key concerns. Effective enforcement of existing prohibitions on sales to minors, advertising, and promotion is paramount.
Isabella Annesi-Maesano,a research director at the National Institute of Health and Medical Research,argues that the existing warning signs – including risks of COPD and pulmonary fibrosis – warrant the implementation of the precautionary principle,even suggesting the inclusion of e-cigarettes in expanded smoking bans. According to ANSES surveys, over 70% of vapers aged 13-17 have a smoker or vaper in their social circle.
While acknowledging potential benefits for smokers seeking to quit, ANSES stresses that vaping should be considered a second-line treatment option, used temporarily under the supervision of a healthcare professional, and always in conjunction with a complete cessation of tobacco. The agency also notes that the effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation is not as well-established as scientifically approved methods like Champix or nicotine replacement therapies. ANSES emphasizes the crucial role of doctors, tobacco specialists, nurses, and pharmacists in providing informed guidance on vaping products and recommends strengthening their training in this area.
[1]Assessment of health risks linked to vaping products. Collective expert reportAnses,published in December 2025,consulted on February 4,2026
[2]Apolline Le Romancer,Health risks,effectiveness in stopping smoking,danger for young people… The truth about vaping in 12 questionsLibération,published on February 4,2026,consulted the same day
[3]Delphine Roucaute,Electronic cigarettes: lessons from the vast ANSES study on health risksLe Monde,published on February 4,2026,consulted the same day
