Experts agree on multiple restrictions on ENDS
Experts agree on multiple restrictions on ENDS, but don’t face that these steps are unlikely to be implemented given Big Tobacco’s push to alternative products
Berlin I, Jacot-Sadowski I, Humair J, Cornuz J. International expert consensus on electronic nicotine delivery systems and heated tobacco products: a Delphi survey. BMJ Open 2021;11:e045724. Online issue publication September 07, 2021. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/9/e045724
“268 experts were contacted, 92 (34%) completed the first, 55/92 (60%) the second round. Consensus for ENDS [electronic nicotine delivery systems]: components of e-liquids, an upper limit of nicotine concentration should be defined; a warning on the lack of evidence in long-term safety and addiction potential should be stated; ENDS should not be regulated as consumer products but either as a new category of nicotine delivery or tobacco products; ENDS should not be sold in general stores but in specialised shops, shops selling tobacco or in pharmacies with restriction on sale to minors; administration of illegal drugs is likely with ENDS.”
Comment: ENDS: Define, upper nicotine limit, state harms, new nicotine category, specialized sales, administered as drugs: The chance these measures would be adopted in one country, much less the world, is very improbable with the vaping industry supported by Big Tobacco. Experts want an ideal regulatory framework while the reality of most countries is that banning ENDS is much more feasible than any fantasy of multi-dimensional regulation. Stephen Hamann
Stephen Hamann
