Signe Riisalo spoke openly about her nicotine addiction in parliament

At a tobacco harm reduction conference in parliament, politician Signe Riisalo publicly disclosed her addiction. Experts warned that while smoking traditional cigarettes has declined, e-cigarette consumption among youth and women is growing alarmingly.

A conference on "How to reduce tobacco harm?" was held in parliament today, where experts and politicians discussed Estonia's tobacco situation. One of the most notable moments was politician Signe Riisalo's candid admission of her nicotine addiction — "I am not proud of myself," she told the audience.

Smoking declines, e-cigarettes grow

Experts noted at the conference that over the past decade, smoking of traditional cigarettes in Estonia has declined markedly. However, this has been offset by growing consumption of new nicotine products, particularly e-cigarettes — especially among young people and women, which has caused serious concern among experts.

Youth and women at risk

The conference emphasized that the growing popularity of e-cigarettes has become a serious public health problem. Experts warned that the marketing of new nicotine products is specifically targeted at younger age groups and women, creating a new generation of users in a society where anti-smoking attitudes have strengthened.