Despite the discrepancies in the data and the complex, changing trends of e-cigarette use, policy choices are needed. These policy choices are particularly relevant because they impact how teens and young adults use e-cigarettes.
As a study on NCBI has shown that e-cigarettes are commonly used by teenagers and young adults, and they are especially dangerous for these age groups. Measures to discourage young people from using them are required. This news article seeks to address the e-cigarette policy framework and offer guidelines for safeguarding the public's health, especially when it relates to the short- and long-term health of youth and young adults.
The FDA released a final rule on May 10, 2016, deeming all such products, including e-cigarettes, that meet the concept of a tobacco product, subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, excluding accessories of such products. The law became effective on August 8, 2016. (Federal Register 2016).
The FDA will most likely be required under the Tobacco Control Act to consider the consequences of e-cigarette use for people who do not use tobacco products (as well as for those who do).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) released a study outlining efforts to prohibit vaping due to worries that consumers would swap products with more dangerous substances.
After the WHO's nicotine regulatory committee publishes its plans for an e-cigarette ban, it will be debated in Glasgow later this year.
Clive Bates, a tobacco damage specialist and former head of anti-smoking group ASH, blasted the recommendation in an interview with The Sun on Sunday, calling it "irresponsible and bizarre, which would protect the cigarette trade."
According to the WHO study, the ability for consumers to apply their own additives to vapes makes e-cigarettes potentially more dangerous.
A potential ban would affect over 2.4 million vapers in the UK.
Clive Bates said: “The advice is completely irresponsible and bizarre.
“If policymakers take it seriously, they will be defending the tobacco industry, promoting obesity, and contributing to the enormous toll of cancer, heart disease, and lung disease. “Here, something has gone horribly wrong.”
Public health authorities in the United Kingdom say that vaping is 97 percent better than smoking regular cigarettes.
Despite evidence suggesting that vaping is the most effective method for helping smokers quit, a government-backed study published in September 2020 revealed that the risks of inhaling flavors found in vape juice are still unknown.
The independent Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) said e-cigarettes should only be used as a stop-smoking aid.
Professor Alan Boobis, the COT's Chair, stated at the time that it was incorrect to regard the devices as "harmless."
“The best thing a smoker can do is to stop smoking completely, and the evidence shows that vaping is one of the most effective quit aids available, helping around 50,000 smokers quit each year,” said Professor John Newton, Director of Health Improvement at Public Health England.
“Thousands more could have quit except for unfounded safety fears about e-cigarettes.
“The evidence has been clear for some time that, while not risk-free vaping is far less harmful than smoking.
“We strongly advise anyone who smokes, especially those who have tried other methods, to try vaping and quit smoking – ideally with additional support from their local stop smoking service for the best chance of quitting for good.”