The Turkish Thoracic Society has demanded urgent action following the death of 19-year-old Can Akaş, highlighting the ease of accessing illegal vapes in Turkey. Experts warn that these devices pose risks beyond nicotine addiction, including heart inflammation and severe respiratory damage caused by chemical particles found in the vapor.
Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously linked thousands of lung injury cases and multiple deaths to vaping products, particularly those containing THC and vitamin E acetate. In Turkey, the situation is exacerbated by the prevalence of disposable vapes containing nicotine salts, which accelerate addiction among youth.
Recent investigations underscore the scale of the illegal market. A 2025 study in Istanbul identified 121 businesses selling vapes, nearly half of which operate continuously. Furthermore, 2026 data revealed that 72 online sales points are connected to only two central networks. Given these findings, ten prominent medical associations are calling for a strict prohibition on the legalization of new nicotine products and more effective intervention against digital marketing campaigns targeting children.