The DFH welcomes the news that the Minister for Health has secured Government approval to introduce greater restrictions on vapes.
The General Scheme for a Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill proposes:
- A prohibition on point-of-sale display and advertising in shops other than those who only or primarily sell these products.
- Restrictions on colours and imagery on packaging and devices, as well as a ban on devices resembling or functioning as other products, such as toys or games.
- A prohibition on all flavour descriptors and language other than basic flavour names.
- A limit on flavours in nicotine inhaling products to tobacco, with provisions to amend the list of allowed flavours as new evidence presents.
- A prohibition on the import, manufacture and sale of single-use or disposable vapes.
Early studies have shown that the use of e-cigarettes has resulted in an increase in the abundance of bacteria in the mouth, leading to increased gum inflammation, although further research is needed. Some of the chemicals in e-cigarettes are thought to cause tissue and cell damage and are linked to cancer. The long term health effects beyond 24 months are not researched and both oral and general health could be affected.