Israeli Lung Specialist Warns of Rising Smoking Rates, Dangers of E-Cigarettes

Dr. Ariel Rokach, head of the Respiratory Care Unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, has revealed a concerning rise in smoking rates in Israel, with 23% of the population now smoking, a figure he links to the ongoing war.

Dr. Rokach noted a particularly high prevalence of smoking among yeshiva students, while elderly women smoke less than other demographics. He highlighted that while traditional cigarette smoking's long-term effects are well-documented, e-cigarettes, which have become popular in the last decade, pose immediate and severe risks. These include exposure to toxins like glycerol vapor, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde, which can cause significant lung damage.

He specifically warned about EVALI, an acute lung injury linked to e-cigarette use, which can develop within days and has led to fatalities, particularly among young people in the United States. Dr. Rokach cited a recent case in Israel where a teenager died from EVALI after using e-cigarettes.

Rokach criticized the lack of enforcement regarding laws prohibiting the sale of smoking products to minors and smoking in public areas. He also pointed out that much of the e-cigarette market operates through the black market, evading taxes and regulations. Starting August 2, 2026, all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, will be required to carry graphic health warnings covering 75% of the packaging.

Addressing the economic argument that the state profits from tobacco taxes, Dr. Rokach presented a counter-analysis, stating that the economic burden of smoking-related illnesses, including healthcare costs and lost productivity, far exceeds the billions of shekels collected in taxes. He cited studies showing that increased taxation reduces consumption and emphasized that smoking remains one of Israel's most significant health threats, causing over 12,000 deaths annually.