Ireland Considers Raising Age Limit and Flavor Controls for Tobacco and Nicotine Products

Professor Des Cox, Chairman of the Tobacco Policy Group at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI), has suggested that Ireland should consider raising the age limit for purchasing tobacco and nicotine vaping products to 21. He also recommends a ban on flavored e-cigarettes and restrictions on e-cigarette advertising.

Professor Des Cox, Chair of the Tobacco Policy Group of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI), has suggested that Ireland consider raising the legal age for purchasing tobacco and nicotine inhalation products to 21 years old.

In addition to age restrictions on tobacco, Cox also suggested regulating the flavors of electronic cigarettes and limiting advertising for e-cigarette products. In a discussion of the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill in the Oireachtas Health Committee, Cox explained why he believes "flavor control" is a way forward.

Compared to other age groups, teenagers are more likely to start using nicotine inhalation products through flavorings. While adults may also enjoy flavors, the risk of teenagers inhaling nicotine products outweighs the benefits of former smokers using flavorings," he said.

Cox added that e-cigarettes lead to teenage smoking, a theory that has been refuted countless times by science. "Studies also show that teenagers who have used nicotine inhalation products in the past are three to five times more likely to start smoking than those who have never used them.

Flavor is crucial.

On the contrary, renowned cardiologist and smoking cessation researcher Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos emphasizes why flavors are crucial in helping adult smokers quit. "Everyone likes flavors, from the smallest to the biggest. That's human nature. You want something interesting," the doctor said.

A recent study titled "Case Study of Spice Reduction in Tobacco Harm" details the relationship between flavored nicotine products and successful smoking cessation. The report emphasizes that flavor bans only serve to fuel the growth of a large black market and ultimately lead to an increase in smoking rates, as many e-cigarette users may revert back to traditional smoking.

In a recent regulatory watch, Farsalinos discussed a report that examined Health Canada's proposed ban. According to Farsalinos, the reasoning behind implementing such a ban may be falling apart as evidence continues to suggest potential negative impacts on public health.

The so-called teenage e-cigarette trend.

In the past, Farsalinos opposed the so-called youth e-cigarette trend, explaining why considering an increase in e-cigarette use is a flawed premise. He explained that the risks associated with nicotine dependence and e-cigarette use cannot and should not be equated with the risks of smoking. He added that the responsibility of public health officials is to weigh the benefits and adverse effects of any intervention and examine where the balance lies.

Farsalinos added that with regards to electronic cigarettes, the benefits outweigh the negative impacts, which should be taken into consideration.

Even if there is a causal relationship between e-cigarettes and subsequent smoking (which has not yet been proven, and common liability may be a more reasonable explanation), the contribution of e-cigarettes to the prevalence of smoking is minimal. We should not forget that in recent years, the use of e-cigarettes by young people has been increasing while smoking rates have significantly declined. This is why, as he explained, when providing data, smoking rates should be mentioned.

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