According to vapingpost, a study by researchers at the University of East Anglia found that recent EU restrictions on e-cigarettes have pushed many smokers into the black market, consistent with data from around the world.
The European Union tobacco product directive (TPD) was introduced in 2017 to educate the public about the risks of smoking and to prevent non-smokers and minors from using e-cigarettes. At the same time, many public health experts in the UK have been concerned that with all the restrictions imposed by the regulation, experienced smokers who switch to e-cigarettes will start smoking again, and sadly, past data have shown that this is the case.
The National Bureau of Statistics (ONS) 2018 annual publication smoking habits of adults in the UK (including 2017 data) points out that although the smoking rate of young people has further decreased, the smoking rate of adults has increased slightly for the first time in many years, as predicted.
Among other things, TPD regulations prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes with nicotine levels above 20 mg / ml, which has made it difficult for many smokers to switch to e-cigarettes. It is a well-known fact that when smokers start using e-cigarettes, they start with high doses of nicotine to match the smoke they take out of cigarettes, and then gradually quit smoking to curb their addiction. Therefore, the prohibition of nicotine doses over 20mg / ml is the first step in the process of smokeless life.
The current study, conducted by researchers at UEA Norwich medical school, found that, from a consumer’s point of view, future e-cigarette regulations should not impose further restrictions on content and nicotine concentration, but on product safety for all of the above reasons.
Professor Caitlin notley of UEA’s Norwich School of Medicine said: “consumers, industry and even some in the scientific community are concerned about the potential negative impact of the TPD rules. We want to understand how consumers view and experience regulations. “
This study is the first to study consumers’ views and experiences on TPD regulation. “We found that understanding of safety regulations was not common, but overall, manufacturers’ reassurance to e-cigarette users and requirements for ingredient labels were assured,” said Dr. Emma ward, chief researcher at UEA Norwich medical school
“Some participants felt that the regulations led to more plastic waste because it meant they needed smaller E-liquid bottles and more packaging. However, what we find most worrisome is that these restrictions have led some people to buy stronger electronic liquids and prohibited ingredients on the black market through countries that do not apply regulations (such as China and the United States), which may put their safety at risk. “
The researchers reiterated that health institutions should consider educating the public about the use of e-cigarettes to reduce tobacco hazards. “Public health institutions, smoking cessation services and health care professionals should consider raising awareness of the regulations among smokers so that people can feel comfortable using e-cigarette products and liquid components. This could help more smokers switch to e-cigarettes. The reduction information on the package, comparing e-cigarettes with tobacco, can also prompt smokers to switch to less harmful e-cigarettes
Source link
