France is All Set to Put a 'Full Stop' to Disposable Vapes

France is set to prohibit disposable electronic cigarettes, commonly known as "puffs," as part of a nationwide effort to combat smoking, according to Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne. During an interview with RTL, Borne revealed that the government would soon introduce a new national anti-smoking plan, specifically the ban on disposable e-cigarettes, notorious for instilling unhealthy habits in young individuals. The French government is in the final stages of preparing its 2024 budget, which encompasses a broader strategy to reduce smoking-related issues. Borne emphasized that smoking is responsible for 75,000 deaths annually in France, but clarified that the plan did not involve raising taxes on traditional cigarettes. Nevertheless, she underscored the government's ongoing commitment to monitoring tobacco consumption (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Trends in tobacco smoking and consequences on health in France

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Borne's primary concern revolves around disposable vapes, commonly referred to as "puffs" in France, which she believes serve as a gateway to traditional smoking. Her apprehension arises from the availability of e-cigarettes with enticing flavors like ice candy, marshmallow, and bubblegum, reminiscent of childhood sweets, and priced between €8 and €12 for 500 puffs, which predominantly target teenagers.

Start of a Domino Effect: Nations Around the Globe Start Banning Nicotine Products

Several other European nations are also contemplating bans on disposable vapes. Belgium has already prohibited online sales, while Ireland is currently engaged in a national consultation regarding the prohibition. In Germany, flavored e-cigarettes have been banned, with the drugs tsar suggesting this is just the beginning.

Australia has taken stringent measures, requiring vapes to be prescribed, reducing nicotine levels, and restricting flavors. Similarly, New Zealand has implemented steps such as banning most disposable vapes, imposing marketing restrictions for children, and prohibiting vape shops near schools. These regulations, effective since August, are intended to allow the continued availability of disposable cigarettes for those using them as a transition from smoking.

Research from Ireland indicates that teenagers using e-cigarettes are up to five times more likely to initiate smoking than non-users. Last year's data revealed that while New Zealand's smoking prevalence had dropped to 8%, one of the world's lowest rates, the increase in daily vape users exceeded the decline in daily smokers.

In New Zealand, the percentage of year 10 students (approximately 14 years old) vaping daily surged from 3.1% in 2019 to 9.6% in 2021. Earlier this year, France's then-health minister stated that despite the government's lack of a parliamentary majority, ministers would collaborate with lawmakers to enact the ban. François Braun expressed optimism that the law could be implemented before the year's end.

Reference:

1. Trends in tobacco smoking and consequences on health in France - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9672944/)

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Source-Medindia