2023-07-31 20:33:56
Two billion people around the world are unprotected from e-cigarettes and other similar devices, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report released today on the global tobacco epidemic.
According to WHO data, as of 2022, only 42 countries have completely banned the use of e-cigarettes in indoor public spaces, workplaces, and public transportation.
Only 23 countries limit advertising on this type of products, with deterrent measures for both the devices and the flavoring liquids they use.
A RISK FOR THE POOREST AND THE YOUNGEST
Some of these products – originally designed as substitutes for traditional cigarettes – contain nicotine, which is the most addictive substance in tobacco, and can directly impact the brain development of those who consume them, especially young people under 20 years of age.
The WHO report warned that early consumption of electronic cigarettes it may push adolescents and children to become traditional smokers in the future.
The regulation of these products is much greater in developed countries -85% of them have implemented measures to limit their use- than in developing countries, where only 40% of countries have standards of this type.
Among the poorest countries, 79% are acting against the sale of these products.
The WHO is particularly concerned that companies that market e-cigarettes are using tactics to reach the youngest consumers and even children.
The organization calls for more measures to be taken to prevent the use of flavorings and flavorings in electronic cigarettes, something that had only been carried out by four States until the year 2022.
On the other hand, 22 countries have so far banned the sale of e-cigarettes, vapers, and disposable e-cigarettes (“puffs”) with nicotine, including Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.
LACK OF PROTECTION AGAINST NON-NICOTINE DEVICES
Regarding electronic devices without nicotine, the WHO indicates that the measures adopted to curb their use tend to differ from those taken to reduce the consumption of electronic cigarettes with nicotine, which causes three billion people out of 105 Different countries may not have any protection against these types of products.
In its report, the WHO asks the authorities to anticipate the electronic cigarette industry, since in recent years it has been possible to see how corporations are introducing their products to the market quite effectively.
The UN health agency called on states to increase taxes on electronic products from the tobacco sector to match those already levied on traditional cigarettes in some parts of the world.
The WHO recommends that the authorities restrict the sale of electronic cigarettes based on the age of their buyers, introduce dissuasive labels on the packaging of these products or limit the use of these devices in public space.
MORE THAN 70% OF PEOPLE ARE PROTECTED AGAINST SMOKING
The WHO report ensures that seven out of ten people are protected by some of the anti-smoking measures that the WHO cites in its action strategy against this substance and that it established fifteen years ago.
The WHO data ensures that the degree of protection against smoking is now five times higher than in 2007.
To achieve their objectives in the fight against tobacco, says the WHO, countries have to monitor the use of tobacco among their population, protect people from smoke, and offer help to those who want to quit smoking.
They must also warn about the risks of this consumption, reinforce anti-smoking campaigns and increase taxes on products containing this substance, which causes 8.7 million deaths each year.
According to this report, 44 countries around the world have not yet implemented any of the above measureswhile eight (including Mexico and Spain) have not yet been able to comply with all of them.
“These data show that, little by little, but surely, more and more people are protecting themselves from the harm of tobacco thanks to the measures taken based on the evidence offered by the WHO,” said in this regard the director general of the organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a letter attached to the report.
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