The new anti-smoking plan approved by the UK government came into effect yesterday in England. It is called the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and includes a series of restrictions to combat smoking and prevent vaping among minors. Professor Riccardo Polosa, founder of CoEHAR, the first Center for Tobacco Harm Reduction Research at the University of Catania, commented:
“The United Kingdom has a long history in the fight against smoking, serving as a model for governments and public health organizations worldwide. From the early days of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid, the British government stood out with innovative measures, incorporating these smokeless devices into cessation pathways.
The recent regulatory update for smoker protection follows this path, relying on scientific evidence. As stated in the British Public Health Ministry’s release: If you’re a smoker looking to quit tobacco, vaping can be a helpful tool to reach your goal. However, despite being 80% to 90% less harmful than conventional cigarettes, some of these products have begun to gain popularity among minors, making it essential to address youth vaping as rigorously as smoking and other addictive behaviors.
The new regulations in the UK will introduce a series of restrictions for retailers, limiting the uncontrolled sale of e-cigarettes to minors. By increasing the minimum purchasing age for tobacco products and providing proper funding for cessation services, the government aims to create a healthier future, preventing cancer and protecting young people from new forms of addiction. This approach avoids demonizing a product that has already helped millions of smokers quit.
In this context, it’s important to highlight that the widespread use of flavors has never been a threat to e-cigarette users. In fact, the opposite is true. Numerous studies, including those conducted by CoEHAR at the University of Catania, demonstrate that adding flavors helps adult smokers personalize their quitting process, thereby improving their chances of successfully quitting smoking. As a result, the planned ban on disposable e-cigarettes starting in 2025 should be reassessed, based on more comprehensive scientific evidence about the potential risks linked to this specific product type”
