Hospitalizations of Dutch teens due to vaping more than double
Hospitalizations of Dutch children linked to vaping have more than doubled in the past year, rising from at least 14 cases in 2024 to at least 31 in 2025, NU.nl reports.
Most cases involve teens aged 14 to 17. Cases reported include coughing up blood, extreme shortness of breath requiring oxygen therapy, collapsed lungs, and heart palpitations. One teenager required intensive care after a severe asthma attack triggered by vaping.
Marije van den Beukel, a pediatric pulmonologist at Haaglanden Medical Center, told NU.nl that the majority of hospital visits involved either emergency care or full admissions. “Two minors experienced drowsiness and unconsciousness from vaping a very large amount of nicotine,” Van den Beukel said. “There was no other cause for their symptoms.”
Van den Beukel described a particularly alarming incident in which a child consumed a “turbo vape” in just four days. Each device contains roughly 15,000 puffs, equivalent to 15 to 20 packs of cigarettes, delivering the nicotine of four to five packs per day.
Vaping has also caused psychosocial harm. Van den Beukel cited a case of a teenager in debt to Snapchat-based vape dealers, as well as reports of youth struggling with depression and suicide attempts. “Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia are more common among young people who vape,” she said.
Pulmonologist Wanda de Kanter emphasized that vaping is not safer than smoking. “Cigarettes burn more than 70 harmful substances that are inhaled. Vapes release different toxic chemicals, including nicotine salts, flavorings, and other compounds. The heating element can leak dangerous metals like lead, chromium, and nickel. Vaping is highly addictive and delivers a high dose of nicotine,” De Kanter told NU.nl.
In March, caretaker State Secretary Vincent Karremans called vaping among youths a “vape epidemic,” noting that one in seven children aged 12 to 16 uses e-cigarettes monthly.
