The Minister of Health, Monica Garciastated this Thursday that is going to “regulate” vapers because, under their appearance of toys, are harmful for health and constitute “the prelude to smoking”.
“25% of students 12 to 13 year olds have ever used electronic cigarettes and 8.5% have used tobacco. Vapes look like toys and have sweet flavors, but they are harmful and the precursor to smoking. “We are going to regulate them,” the minister stressed in her X account.
25% of students aged 12 to 13 have ever used electronic cigarettes and 8.5% have used tobacco.
Vapes look like toys and have sweet flavors, but they are harmful and the precursor to smoking. Let’s regulate them.
— Monica García (@Monica_Garcia_G) December 28, 2023
It has done after knowing the first pilot study on alcohol consumption, tobacco and possible behavioral addictions in children under 12 and 13 years of age prepared by the Government Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs (PNSD), which reveals that one in four adolescents has tried electronic cigarettes, among 10 % and 12% in the last month.
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According to the study, age is a key factor: 13-year-old students practically double their consumption of vapers to 12-year-olds in the last month (14.5% vs. 7.6%).
This is not the first time that García has spoken out about vapers: a few weeks ago, when he announced his intention to “take out of the drawer” the anti-smoking plan that contemplates expanding smoke-free spaces, he already indicated that these items will have to have a “regulation.” accurate” and adapted to tobacco regulations.