E-Cigarette Organization Fumes Over Claiming Children Are the Focus
The World Health Organization (WHO) claims the tobacco industry is purposely enticing children to become hooked on electronic cigarettes. The attractive tastes and lively advertising are the main points of contention. The association is speaking out now, assuring that neither the advertising nor bubble-gum themed cigarettes are intended for minors.
The German e-cigarette trading association (VdeH) is counteracting amid accusations from the WHO. In 2019, the group declared that they had vowed to refrain from featuring cartoon characters or similar captivating motifs that could pique the enthusiasm of children and youth. The WHO alleged in a report the industry was advertising e-cigarettes with vivid colors and playful cartoon characters, almost akin to toys. Among the 16,000 flavors are those such as gum, candy, and vanilla ice cream, which are transparently aimed at children.
The VdeH rather asserts that its target demographic is adults who wish to reduce or cease their tobacco intake. The industry is also targeting adults with flavors such as gum. They gravitate toward fruity and sweet tastes.
The association admitted that influencers were promoting e-cigarettes despite an advertising ban in Germany. They've distanced themselves from this promotion and have taken legal action numerous times against those who haven't adhered to the law, "We're calling for more stringent enforcement of the advertising ban by the authorities and platform operators." The organization also lambastes the state regulatory measures. This has resulted in a substantial black market. It's assumed that about half of all e-cigarettes are sold beyond specialty retailers "which frequently renders goods bought outside of any system compliance."
WHO: Europe's Situation Considerably Concerning
According to the WHO, around 37 million adolescents aged 13-15 worldwide use tobacco. This encompasses cigarette smoking, chewing tobacco, and snuff. And there are also millions more using electronic cigarettes. Although e-cigarettes don't contain tobacco, they do contain nicotine. The WHO asserts that since e-cigarettes are typically expensive, many switch back to tobacco products once the money runs out, "The industry wants children to become addicted at a young age so they have a lifelong consumer base." Given Kapolyo, who encourages youth education about hazardous nicotine use in Zambia, commented, "The industry wants children to become addicted at a young age so they have a lifelong consumer base."
Concerning the WHO region of Europe, which encompasses over 50 countries including as far as Turkmenistan and Israel, Rüdiger Krech, the department head, stated the situation is notably worrying. Despite sales limitations, young people can easily order products online, "The situation is incredibly concerning," Krech said.
The WHO is advocating for stricter regulation of tobacco and other nicotine products globally. That includes bans on different flavors of e-cigarettes, advertising prohibitions, higher taxes, and smoke-free zones inside all buildings.
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Source: www.ntv.de
