Dozens of experts debated how to improve the rules regarding electronic cigarettes, the consumption of which is a global reality, at the eighth edition of The E-Cigarette Summit, in Washington DC. Scientists, regulators, consumers and public health representatives presented studies and strategies to adopt these products as harm reduction tools in nicotine consumption for adult smokers.
In the USA, marketing approval is the responsibility of the FDA, an agency similar to Anvisa in Brazil, which certifies that products are “appropriate for the protection of public health”.
According to Brian King, director of the FDA, companies undergo strict authorization so that adult smokers can access lower-risk products. At the same time, the agency carries out campaigns to prevent consumption by young people and improve authorized products.
For Clive Bates, a public health consultant, maintaining illegality will not make it disappear. “We need strong regulations and the industry concerned about making safer products. Many people die because others don’t see vapes as a harm reduction tool”, he says.
Anvisa maintained ban
Contrary to the rest of the world, Anvisa maintains a ban in Brazil. However, the Senate is currently discussing a bill to change the rules. The Bill contains requirements such as toxicological reports, nicotine limits, flavors and points of sale, and also proposes prison sentences and fines for sales to minors. Rules that would protect consumers from the illegal market. Since 2018, the number of consumption has grown by 600%, with 3 million regular consumers (Ipec, 2023).