Vietnam Health Ministry Denounces Safety Claims of New Tobacco

According to Vietnamnet's report on October 5th, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health firmly denied claims that new tobacco products are less harmful than traditional cigarettes at a seminar held on October 3rd.

Nguyen Trong Khoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment under the Ministry of Health, pointed out that tobacco companies have been promoting these products as safer alternatives to traditional smoking. However, Khoa emphasized that there is no scientific evidence to support claims that e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products can reduce harm or aid in smoking cessation.

Mr. Zhong Ke pointed out specifically that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products contain high concentrations of nicotine, which may lead to addiction and be harmful to health. These products also contain harmful chemicals that can cause cancer, similar to traditional cigarettes.

In response to the claim that e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes, Ruan Zhongke stated that this conclusion was based on a study funded by the tobacco industry and lacks scientific credibility.

A report has shown that Vietnam has successfully reduced traditional cigarette use among adolescents. The smoking rate among 13-17 year olds decreased from 5.36% in 2013 to 2.78% in 2019. In the 13-15 age group, cigarette use dropped from 2.5% in 2014 to 1.9% in 2022.

However, the use of new tobacco products, especially e-cigarettes, has been rapidly increasing. A recent survey found that the usage rate of e-cigarettes among students aged 13 to 15 increased from 3.5% in 2022 to 8% in 2023.

In response, the Ministry of Health reiterates its refusal to accept any form of financial or material benefits from the tobacco industry to avoid influencing public health policies. The department pledges to continue enforcing tobacco control laws to address the growing threat posed by emerging tobacco products.