ASH Scotland welcomes the tightening of regulations on advertising and promoting e-cigarette products as a step towards protecting the health of Scottish children, young people, and non-smoking adults.
Earlier this year, the Scottish government conducted a consultation seeking views on proposed regulations aimed at balancing the protection of non-smokers and providing information to smokers.
Sheila Duffy, the CEO of ASH Scotland, expressed her welcome for the release of the report, stating a hope for action to be taken towards implementing the advertising and promotional restrictions that were passed by the Scottish Parliament and became law in 2016. Reports of significantly increased usage of disposable e-cigarettes among children and young people make these measures urgently needed.
Promoting new products is a clear way for the tobacco industry to reach potential consumers for future generations. Seeking opinions on measures to curb advertising and promotion of recreational novels is crucial in protecting young people from being tempted to experiment.
Young people who try electronic cigarettes are at a much higher risk of developing nicotine addiction and later transitioning to tobacco use. We all hope to spare our children this prospect, as smoking is a direct cause of 16% of all deaths in Scotland.
Duffy added, "The World Health Organization expressed concern that children who use these products may be three times more likely to use tobacco products in the future. This concern was also supported by a global systematic evidence review published by Australians earlier this year.
The long-term health risks of e-cigarettes are largely unknown. However, it is known that most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and that the e-liquid may also contain other toxic elements. Lesser harm does not mean harmless.
Most adults have heard of electronic cigarette products, which can be purchased and used if one wishes, but they are not approved smoking cessation products. Rather, they are primarily marketed as commercial entertainment products, with features such as color, flavor, and price intended to attract children and adolescents. The NHS does not offer electronic cigarettes as part of its prescription service. Rather, we encourage anyone looking to quit smoking to seek out local pharmacies or smoking cessation services, which offer person-centered approaches to quitting.
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