The Ministry of Health, concerned about the rapid increase in the use of disposable e-cigarettes among children and teenagers, is working on a bill to completely ban them. Izabela Leszczyna, head of the ministry, confirmed that the ban was to enter into force in April. However, difficulties associated with its introduction delayed implementation.
According to the report "Cigarette smoking and vaping – a study of school students", 48% of students admit to using e-cigarettes every day, of which as many as 21% use disposables. These data show the scale of the problem that the Polish authorities are trying to stop.
The problem of e-cigarettes on an EU scale
Poland is not alone in the fight against the e-cigarette epidemic among young people. Many European Union countries struggle with a similar problem, and Poland is at the forefront in terms of the prevalence of this phenomenon.
E-cigarettes often go unnoticed by parents because they do not emit a characteristic odor. – This is a hidden threat to which we must respond both with legal regulations and educational activities, commented Małgorzata Niemczyk, chairwoman of the Parliamentary Group for Counteracting Addictions, in April.
Australia limits the sale of e-cigarettes to pharmacies
Australia has taken a radical step by limiting the sale of e-cigarettes only to pharmacies. From Monday, July 1, minor users must present a prescription to a pharmacist to purchase vaporizers. The only exception are adults, who from October will be able to buy e-cigarettes without a prescription, but only in pharmacies.
The new regulation raises concerns about the potential development of a black market. High taxes on tobacco products and e-cigarettes in Australia may be prompting young people to seek out illicit sources of nicotine. This example shows how difficult it is to strike a balance between regulation and market control.
The whole world is in trouble with e-cigarettes
Australia's ban on disposable e-cigarettes is part of a broader trend that can be seen around the world. In the United States, the FDA has taken action against the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and has also approved the first tobacco-free e-cigarettes. European countries are also tightening regulations, aiming to limit access to these products among young people.
Experts from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners warn that changing regulations may encourage young people to return to traditional cigarettes. This risk is also important in the context of Polish regulations.
