The Pulmonology Department at Elche University General Hospital treats 11,000 patients each year, with approximately 60% of those individuals suffering from conditions directly related to tobacco use. These illnesses include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic respiratory conditions.
To mark World No Tobacco Day, Sunday, 31st May, the Health Department of Elche University General Hospital has drawn attention to the ongoing health impacts of smoking and has issued a particular warning regarding the increase in e-cigarette and vaping device use among young people. Information booths were set up at the hospital to carry out awareness-raising activities for the public, whilst the department’s health centres will continue their outreach work throughout the week to highlight the risks associated with tobacco and these new electronic devices.
Lucía Zamora, a pulmonologist at the Elche University General Hospital, explained that tobacco continues to be the leading preventable cause of illness and death, maintaining a significant impact on healthcare across clinics and hospitals.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use causes approximately eight million deaths worldwide each year. More than seven million of these deaths are attributed to direct smokers, and more than one million to individuals exposed to secondhand smoke. The organisation also notes that the life expectancy of smokers is at least ten years shorter than that of non-smokers.
The slogan chosen for this year’s World No Tobacco Day is ‘Unmasking the allure: countering nicotine and tobacco addiction’. The campaign focuses on denouncing marketing strategies specifically aimed at attracting new young consumers, whilst warning of the risks posed by products that are sometimes presented as less harmful alternatives.
One of the aspects causing the most concern for specialists is the rise in electronic cigarette and vaping device use among teenagers. Data released by the Ministry of Health reveals that more than 100 million people currently use electronic cigarettes worldwide, and at least 15 million minors between the ages of 13 and 15 are users of these devices.
This trend is also significant in the Valencian Community. The use of electronic cigarettes among adolescents aged 14 to 18 has increased considerably since 2016, reaching 54.4% of students in 2025.
In this regard, Zamora has warned that vapes are not harmless and contain nicotine and other potentially harmful substances that generate addiction and can facilitate the transition to conventional tobacco use. Healthcare professionals insist that these devices should not be considered risk-free products. Their widespread use among minors is one of the main challenges in smoking prevention today, both because of the harmful effects associated with their use and because of their potential role as a gateway to traditional cigarettes.
The Pulmonology Department at Elche University General Hospital offers specialised care and individualised treatments to help patients who wish to quit smoking. Available resources include nicotine replacement therapies and various specific pharmacological treatments for smoking cessation.
Zamora pointed out that quitting smoking is a complex process due to strong physical and psychological dependence, but medical support increases the chances of success considerably. The activities organised by the Department of Health to mark World No Tobacco Day will continue to provide information throughout the week regarding available healthcare resources for quitting smoking. The goal is to strengthen prevention efforts, facilitate access to treatment, and emphasise that quitting smoking remains one of the most impactful decisions an individual can make for their health.
