The initiative of the European Commission to revise legislation on tobacco and nicotine control this year dominated discussions at the European Conference on Tobacco or Health, organized in Milan this week.
During the proceedings, stronger measures against nicotine addiction were requested, including stricter rules on advertising and taxation.
Experts described the emergence of new nicotine products as a new challenge, while the director of the WHO stated that tobacco continues to cause more than 7 million deaths per year.
“Today, we are faced not only with the ongoing harms caused by traditional tobacco products, but also with a rapidly changing market of new and emerging nicotine products. These products are often marketed as less harmful, but in reality they are creating new pathways to addiction, especially for young people. This is not harm reduction. This is harm creation. Europe has been a global leader in tobacco control, but regulations have not always kept pace with the evidence and new products. As the EU’s key directives on tobacco products, taxation, and advertising are being revised, we have a political opportunity to close the gaps and strengthen protections,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
At the conference, it was emphasized that there is high use of electronic cigarettes in Europe, especially among young people. It was also assessed that measures such as strong taxation of nicotine products, restrictions on advertising and marketing, limiting sales, and expanding smoke-free areas are among the most effective ways to reduce smoking.
The representative of the Association of European Cancer Leagues said that creating nicotine-free spaces is essential for protecting public health and preventing addiction.
“The rapid emergence of new nicotine products, combined with changing patterns of use, means that our work is more important and more urgent than ever.… From schools and parks to streets and public transport, every space should encourage healthy choices. Creating nicotine-free environments is a key step in eliminating harm, preventing addiction, and improving quality of life for everyone,” said Juha Pekka Turunen, president of the association.
KOHA reported last week that electronic cigarettes and new nicotine products are being consumed by children and sold freely even in areas near schools.
Pulmonologist Besim Morina raised the alarm about the level of addiction.
“The high level of nicotine found in these products causes children, and we often see such cases, to become so addicted that they wake up from sleep at night to take a dose of nicotine because their bodies crave it, as it has already caused addiction,” Morina said.
He also spoke about the health consequences of consuming these products.
“Their use leads to health problems in the lungs because of the vapors, solvents, dyes, and artificial flavors used to make the product more attractive. They also cause harmful effects on the heart, the cardiovascular system, the brain, the psychological system, and so on,” he said.
Recently, an initiative was launched in Kosovo to amend the Law on Tobacco Control. However, the authorities accepted only the recommendation to ban flavors and aromas in electronic cigarettes, but not the restriction of their sale in certain areas.
