Macau Health Bureau, China: Smoking Rate Has Decreased By 36%, But Electronic Cigarette Use Among Teenagers Has Increased To 4%

The smoking rate in Macau, China has decreased by 36% over the past decade, with only about 10.6% of the population still smoking. However, the usage rate of e-cigarettes among teenagers has been increasing year by year, and there are still risks.
According to the Macau Post on November 15th, the Health Bureau of Macau, China (SSM) announced that the smoking rate among residents of Macau has decreased by 36% in the past decade. Compared to 16.6% in 2011, only about 10.6% of the population is still smoking in 2022.
SSM stated in a statement that the Tobacco Control Act came into effect in January 2012. Macau, China prohibits smoking in many public places and restricts cigarette advertising. SSM also emphasized the success of its smoking cessation clinic, which provides free support services for anyone attempting to quit smoking.
In addition, although factors such as smoking bans in public places and tobacco advertising restrictions have contributed, the usage rate of e-cigarettes among young people has increased.
SSM stated that in 2021, 4% of 13-15 year olds in Macau, China had used e-cigarettes, up from 2.6% in 2015. SSM did not disclose the impact of the electronic cigarette manufacturing, distribution, sales, import and export ban implemented in December 2022 on these numbers.