In addition to the two potentially carcinogenic substances, another substance studied can cause an allergic reaction. A fourth substance is irritating and can therefore be harmful to the lungs. Three other flavorings may pose health risks at the highest concentrations in the liquids in e-cigarettes. RIVM therefore advises not to allow the seven flavorings.
The institute investigated the 23 flavors that the government wants to allow in e-cigarettes. According to the RIVM, there is ‘not enough information for the other 16 flavorings to assess the health effects’. Those 16 substances could also be banned, according to the RIVM, but another option is to allow them because they ‘would help smokers to quit smoking’.
Only tobacco flavor from July 1th
From 1 July, e-cigarettes may only taste like tobacco. Sweet flavors and menthol are prohibited. The government decided to make ‘vaping’ less attractive, especially among young people.
RIVM previously investigated 503 flavorings in e-cigarettes, which led to the preliminary recommendation to allow the 23 substances.
For a time, the e-cigarette was seen as a ‘healthier’ alternative to tobacco because it lacks many of the toxic combustion products of tobacco. But harmful substances are released in the vapor of the cigarettes, according to several studies, including that of the Trimbos Institute in 2020. The institute also concluded that the e-cigarettes work as a ‘step product’ to tobacco cigarettes.