Canary Islands Parliament Pushes for Stronger Vaping Restrictions and Awareness Campaigns
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 23 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Parliament of the Canary Islands has unanimously endorsed a Non-Law Proposal from the Nationalist Group urging the Government of the Canary Islands to initiate informational campaigns highlighting the dangers associated with the use of vapers and electronic cigarettes.
Furthermore, the adopted document also encompasses strengthening the ban on sales to minors, regulating packaging, and emphasising the risks linked to the consumption of nicotine-free products.
According to the Estudes 2023 survey data from Spain, over 54.6% of students aged 14 to 18 have experimented with electronic cigarettes at some point.
This usage is more prevalent among boys than girls, irrespective of age, and this figure signifies an increase of more than double in seven years (when compared to the 20.05% noted in Estudes-2016), coinciding with the introduction of single-use or disposable devices in the market.
Mario Cabrera (CC) has expressed “concern” in schools regarding the rise of vaping among the youth, which he pointed out serves as a precursor to traditional tobacco usage, underlining that it also leads to asthma attacks, coughing, and impacts mood and impulse control.
He asserted that vaping “is not a solution” to combat smoking, advocating for “harsher penalties” and a stricter approach to the purchase of these products by minors. He called for initiatives to counteract the “marketing” strategies of companies targeting young individuals.
He highlighted the prevalent “lack of awareness” among youths and the “appealing” qualities of the product, including its various colours and scents, supporting the need for greater “coordination” across multiple departments to implement comprehensive campaigns warning about the risks associated with such consumption.
Nicasio Galván, spokesperson for Vox, remarked that vapers and electronic cigarettes “pose a significant issue” but cautioned that advocating for their prohibition is “unrealistic” as it would not cease their usage.
He raised concerns regarding the “adverse effects” of this consumption and stressed the necessity for enhanced information, whilst pointing out the economic benefits of a “healthier” society.
Raúl Acosta (AHI) cautioned that the acceptance of these products is being “normalised” despite their capability to cause lung damage, cardiovascular issues, and mental health risks, along with the creation of “nicotine addiction.”
Jesús Ramos (ASG) characterised vaping as a “misleading pathway” into tobacco consumption, called for further research on its health impacts, and valued the initiatives regarding smoking launched by the Ministries of Health and Education. “It presents a threat to health,” he remarked.
NC-BC CRITICISES THE PROMOTION OF ‘INFLUENCERS’
Yone Caraballo (NC-BC) shared that vaping has become “an emblem” for younger generations, significantly endorsed by ‘influencers’ on social media, and further requested “better regulation” in retail outlets, given that these products are being sold to minors.
Mónica Muñoz (PP) expressed her support for the NLP citing “responsibility” and scientific grounds, stating that these devices contain nicotine, create “dependency,” and “are not a solution” to smoking; in fact, they serve as a “gateway” to tobacco consumption.
In her perspective, this represents a “deception” towards consumers, particularly young people, thereby necessitating a “robust response” from authorities. “We must ensure that the industry cannot exploit legal loopholes,” she emphasised.
Miguel Ángel Pérez del Pino (PSOE) noted that smoking embodies a “social” behaviour, and we must ensure that young individuals “steer clear” of these products since aerosols affect the respiratory system, regardless of whether they contain nicotine or not.
He indicated that this is a matter of “public health” and stressed the importance of collaborating with the General Directorate of Commerce to “tighten” the sales ban, particularly in bazaars situated near educational institutions.
