The Polish Ministry of Health’s consideration of a blanket ban on disposable e-cigarettes has stirred controversy. Experts caution that restricting e-cigarettes may lead to increased sales of tobacco products, posing health risks.
According to a recent report from Polish media outlet Bankier, the country is witnessing fervent public debate over disposable e-cigarettes. Insider sources reveal that in a bid to reduce the impact of e-cigarettes on youth and curb public online purchases, the Polish Ministry of Health is mulling over stringent measures, potentially including a complete prohibition on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes in the market.
The Polish Vapor Business Alliance (ZPBV) expresses concerns that such a ban may backfire. They call for consideration of the often overlooked perspectives of the public, urging the government to enforce effective regulations, engage in dialogue with the industry on this matter, and provide accurate education. They point out that in Australia, which has implemented some of the world’s strictest e-cigarette regulations, up to 92% of e-cigarette users purchase products from illegal sellers.
Reportedly, Maciej Powroźnik, the Chairman of ZPBV, states that public discussions on banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes lack expert knowledge, with media reports often biased against the products and repeating unverified information. He criticizes the media for overlooking the potential negative impacts of banning e-cigarettes on public health and the economy, emphasizing that a blanket ban on e-cigarettes may result in government financial losses, forcing many legally operating companies to close down, thereby restricting adult consumers’ access to products that have been tested and meet safety requirements, potentially exacerbating public health issues.
Recent research from the Yale School of Public Health suggests that restricting e-cigarette sales not only leads to increased sales of traditional tobacco products but also fuels dependence on conventional cigarettes. Abigail S. Friedman, a co-author of the study, highlights that smoking traditional tobacco is much more harmful to health than using e-cigarettes. The research findings further challenge the feasibility of a blanket ban and its efficacy in protecting public health.
Experts in the field of public health point out that while the long-term effects of e-cigarettes are unknown, they may present a better option for those looking to quit or reduce smoking. With approximately 8.4 million traditional tobacco smokers in Poland, nearly one-third of adults smoke daily, while only 1% use e-cigarettes. These figures clearly highlight the issue at hand.
【reference】Całkowity zakaz sprzedaży e-papierosów jednorazowych może mieć skutek odwrotny do zamierzonego
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