Seoul Metropolitan Council Addresses Regulatory Gaps in Vape Industry as Youth Usage Surges

Nov.13.2024

Kim Kyung-hoon, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Education Committee, raised the issue of vape regulation at an administrative audit meeting, pointing out that the product contains nicotine and is popular among teenagers, calling for stricter measures.

Kim Kyung-hoon, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Education Committee, raised the issue of vape regulation at an administrative audit meeting, according to a report by n.news on November 13.

Kim pointed out that the product, unlike regular cigarettes, has a fruit flavor and is difficult to distinguish from regular smoking, but it contains nicotine. A survey by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency shows that about 70% of teenage smokers start using vapes, highlighting the severity of the problem.

Kim emphasized that vapes are likely to be used as drugs and there are distribution channels among teenagers. He called on the Education Office to strengthen enforcement, investigate the situation, and take appropriate measures. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education responded that there is no separate data on the current situation, and vapes are not included under the current tobacco laws, which would require legal amendments.

References:

[1] 김경훈 서울시의원 '청소년 액상 담배 문제 손 놓은 교육청···마약 유통으로 번질 위험 많아'

Also Read:

[1] National Cancer Center Korea to Include E-cigarettes in Lung Cancer Screening from Next Year

[2] KT&G Q3: Profits Drop 28% to $200M as Tobacco Sales Hit Record

[3] KT&G to Launch European Expansion, Promoting Cigarette Brand "ESSE"

[4] South Korean lawmaker calls for stricter regulation of synthetic nicotine and stronger adult verification

[5] South Korea speeds up synthetic nicotine legislation, regulatory report due year-end

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