Share

Scientists want strict rules on e-cigarettes

New York - A group of 129 physicians, epidemiologists and others from 31 countries sent an open letter to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday urging the United Nations agency to hold firm in what seems to be its intention to impose strict regulations on electronic cigarettes.

The letter was a response to one sent last month by 53 other experts who urged the WHO to go easy on e-cigarettes, which the advocates called "part of the solution" in the fight against smoking.

The latest letter, in contrast, said manufacturers should be required to present data that show the products are safe and help smokers quit, and disclose ingredients in the "vaping" liquid the devices burn.

Regulating e-cigarettes like tobacco products, the signatories wrote, is necessary to "prevent initiation of use among youth and other non-tobacco users, protect bystanders in public areas from involuntary exposure, regulate marketing, and prohibit unsubstantiated claims."

E-cigarettes use battery-powered cartridges to produce a nicotine hit via inhalable vapour without the tar and other carcinogens in inhaled tobacco smoke.

Advocates said classifying e-cigarettes as tobacco products, and requiring comparable regulation, would threaten their potential to reduce the death and disease caused by smoking.

Their letter said e-cigarettes "could be among the most significant health innovations of the 21st century," adding that "the urge to control and suppress them as tobacco products should be resisted."

It remains unclear whether most e-cigarette consumers will be smokers using the devices to quit or non-smokers to whom they are a "gateway" product to nicotine addiction and smoking.

One study published last month in the journal Circulation reported that most e-cigarette consumers are "dual users," both smoking and vaping.

The letter from opponents warned that although e-cigarette vapour has fewer toxic components than regular smoke, more than half a dozen studies have shown it can include ultrafine particles damaging to lungs, plus "carcinogens and reproductive toxins, including benzene, lead, nickel, and others".

The letter was organised by tobacco scientist Stanton Glantz of the University of California, San Francisco, and others.

One signatory did not want to be named, explaining in an email to Reuters that "My family and I have been receiving abuse and threats" over his critical stance on e-cigarettes.

The email added: "My daughter has been subject to online abuse" over the issue.

The WHO is assessing its position on e-cigarettes, and has indicated it is leaning toward restrictions like those on all nicotine-containing products, including banning advertising and flavours.

The United States is not among the 178 countries that are parties to an international convention on tobacco and are obligated to implement measures recommended by the WHO.

In April, the US Food and Drug Administration proposed regulations on e-cigarettes that would ban sales to minors but not online sales, flavours, or advertising.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
19.00
-0.5%
Rand - Pound
24.02
-0.5%
Rand - Euro
20.51
-0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.35
-0.0%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.6%
Platinum
900.15
+0.4%
Palladium
1,000.00
-0.2%
Gold
2,210.45
+0.7%
Silver
24.60
-0.2%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,142
+0.7%
All Share
74,329
+0.6%
Resource 10
56,957
+2.3%
Industrial 25
103,635
+0.4%
Financial 15
16,485
-0.2%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders