Commissioner advocates for prohibition of disposable e-cigarettes.
Annually, roughly 127,000 individuals in Germany pass away as a result of the negative repercussions related to tobacco and nicotine utilization, according to Federal Commissioner for Drugs and Addiction, Burkhard Blienert. Smoking not only takes a toll on human lives but also impacts the economy and environment. Blienert urges for more action to combat this issue.
On World No Tobacco Day, Blienert pleads for the dismissal of strong encouragement to smoke. "I don't aim to outlaw smoking for everyone," stated the SPD politician. "Yet, the thought that in 2024, smoking can still be advertised in every gas station and supermarket with enticing images for tobacco and e-cigarettes is unacceptable."
These advertisements promote the harmful nature of such products and make quitting a challenge since they frequently remind people of cigarettes. Blienert cites study findings and says, "The fact that fewer and fewer young people are smoking is exciting news." Nevertheless, Germany remains grappling with a significant issue. "Each year, approximately 127,000 people in this country pass away due to the consequences of their tobacco and nicotine consumption, and each year, smoking imposes more than 100 billion euros in costs on our economy."
The Commissioner for Drugs and Addiction insists: "We must take the gravity with which the smoking issue is addressed in other countries as a model." Effective actions include eliminating advertisements, no sponsorship, supplying more assistance with quitting, stricter non-smoking regulations, like parents smoking around their children in vehicles, and ultimately, raising tobacco taxes.
In addition, Blienert supports a prohibition on disposable e-cigarettes. "These products possess a high potential for addiction and significantly damage the environment." They contribute to young people becoming addicted to nicotine, potentially leading to a lifelong dependence. Waiting for a sales ban through European channels is not the answer.
Read also:
- The tobacco industry, despite facing criticism, continues to promote cigarettes and e-cigarettes in various parts of the world, including Berlin.
- The International Anti-Drugs Alliance has expressed concern about the increasing use of nicotine and drugs, including e-cigarettes, among young people, highlighting the need for stricter regulations globally.
- Blienert's call for the prohibition of disposable e-cigarettes echoes the concerns of health officials in other countries, who argue that these products, fueled by the tobacco industry, are increasingly becoming a gateway to drug addiction, especially among the youth.
