Latvia: Smoking rising again after decade of decline: report

Smoking rates in Latvia are rising again after a decade of decline, LSM reports. Children are starting to smoke at a younger age, with a notable increase in electronic cigarette use among those aged 15-24 years. Public health experts highlight the misconception among parents that electronic cigarettes are less harmful than traditional ones. They emphasise the need for better support for quitting smoking and more effective educational programmes for schoolchildren. A study from Riga Stradins University suggests that moderate tax increases on nicotine products are insufficient to reduce smoking.