As alternatives to traditional tobacco products, vapes have gained popularity and may help smokers who want to quit by reducing their exposure to harmful substances. Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik created the e-cigarette in 2003 intending to provide a substitute for traditional smoking. Apart from the battery, an electronic cigarette consists of an atomizer and a cartridge that holds a liquid solution with or without nicotine. Teenagers using vapes to stop smoking or just look popular- has become a global trend. 

Vaping was introduced in Nepal in keeping to the global trend. Due to the absence of tobacco and nicotine vaping devices have become more and more popular as an alternative to traditional tobacco smoking in Nepal. The introduction of vaping in Nepal probably followed similar trends as other countries, where the products were first imported and distributed through a variety of channels such as internet retailers, specialty stores, and unofficial marketplaces. Nearly six years ago the vaping market took off in Nepal with three players. Their single objective was to draw in young people and chain smokers by offering a variety of flavours and vibrant packaging. Social media and the internet were important in raising awareness and providing information on vaping goods so that individuals in Nepal might use them. In Nepal, vaping hasn't had a critical effect, but lung illnesses are affecting people. The law was implemented in reaction to the growing youth e-cigarette market. In 2023, Nepal imported 3.2 million electronic cigarettes. An estimated NPR 210 million ($1.5 billion) is the business's value. Studies claim that vaping is at least 95% less dangerous than smoking is contradicting. The popcorn lung of the body is caused by vaping. That's a disease that causes damage to the tiniest airways in your lungs, causing coughing and discomfort. Inhaling a chemical used to flavour occasionally results in it. 

Nepal is aware of how critical it is to confront the growing issue of vaping use. Although Nepal is aware of the possible risks involved in using them, it feels that a balanced approach is required. According to the Ministry of Finance and The National Health Education, Information and Communication Center (NHEICC) under the Department of Health Services, vaping will soon be banned in Nepal. 

Out of 200 students in grades VIII, IX, and X who participated in the survey, 30% agreed that vapes are safer than cigarettes. 

Nepal's smoking rate for 2020 was 30.40%, a decrease of -1.10% from 2019. Nepal’s smoking rate for 2019 was 31.50%, a 0% increase from 2018. Nepal’s smoking rate for 2018 was 31.50%, a 0.6% increase from 2015. Nepal’s smoking rate for 2015 was 30.90%, a 0.7% increase from 2010.  Nepal doesn’t have the percentage of people consuming vapes and e-cigarettes. 

In an attempt to tackle vape addiction, Nepal has implemented strict policies, such as completely banning the import, distribution, and sale of vaping supplies and electronic cigarettes. It aims to shield the general public's health—especially that of young people—from the negative effects of vaping. There have also been initiatives to promote healthier options and increase public knowledge of the dangers of vaping.

References: 

• Chandan K. Mandal: Vaping is on the rise in Nepal, but many don’t know about its effects. (2018, November 4). https://kathmandupost.com/miscellaneous/2018/11/04/vaping-by-youth-rises-with-no-regulatory-controls

• Sakshi Agrawal : Vaping businesses boom in Nepal. (n.d.). Vaping businesses boom in Nepal. : Nepal Minute - Out of the Ordinary.