Lukashenka on the fight against smoking. New anti-smoking measures are being prepared in Belarus Lukashenka calls for new approaches to combat the problem of smoking

More and more electronic cigarette stores, or vape shops, are opening in Belarus. And along with this, more and more often “vapes” smoke in public places, not embarrassed to smoke on children's and sports grounds, as well as in cafes and restaurants.

Even if you don’t know what a “vape” is, you have never heard the words “atomizer” and “mechmod”, you have probably met those who smoke electronic cigarettes and hookahs.

And you definitely at least once found yourself in a situation where a person standing next to you at a pedestrian crossing calmly releases puffs of smoke. And he doesn’t care if you enjoy “lemon pudding flavor” or “refreshing watermelon and orange cocktail with a little bit of lime.”

Is the smoke sweet?

The problem is that vapers (or "vapers") feel very comfortable for quite legal reasons - it is not forbidden by law to "smoke" in crowded places. Despite the fact that at the moment smoking electronic cigarettes is not prohibited in our country, it often causes dissatisfaction among others.

In addition, the Ministry of Health states that electronic cigarettes pose a threat to health, especially of the younger generation.
Electronic cigarettes produce an aerosol (vapour) that the user inhales. The main components of the solution used in such devices, in addition to nicotine (when present), are propylene glycol with or without glycerin, water and flavors. The final composition of the liquid and, consequently, its toxic properties depend on their percentage. Evidence suggests that the aerosol is not just "water vapor" as often claimed in the marketing of these products, but poses a serious threat to others by increasing the effects of nicotine and a number of toxic substances on the body.

As long as it's illegal

At the moment, the issues of distribution of electronic cigarettes among the population, including via the Internet, as well as the prohibition of their sale to minors and advertising, remain unresolved. As explained by AIF lawyer-licensee, master of law Alexander ZHUK, In Belarus, it is soon planned to equate "vapes" with cigarettes. In the meantime, those who like to smoke in public places (in a cafe, restaurant, playground, public transport stop, in a park), after the comments of nearby citizens, can be fined for petty hooliganism - deliberate actions that disturb the peace of citizens, expressed in clear disrespect for society. For this violation, a fine of 2 to 30 basic units or administrative arrest is provided.

TO THIS TOPIC

Smoking (consumption) of tobacco products is prohibited in Belarus, with the exception of places specially designed for this purpose:

• in institutions (organizations) of healthcare, culture, education and sports;
• at the objects of trade and public services;
• at public catering facilities, with the exception of premises with an operating ventilation system;
• in the premises of government bodies, executive committees, organizations;
• at railway stations, airports, underpasses, metro stations;
• in public transport, train carriages, ships, aircraft, with the exception of long-distance trains, passenger ships and aircraft in which there are smoking areas.

Places where it is proposed to introduce a complete ban: elevators, playgrounds, beaches, industrial premises, premises occupied by physical education, sports organizations, as well as children's sports, health and other camps and their territories; stops, metro stations, public transport, cars and premises, if there are children under the age of 14 in them.

In Belarus, several thousand people die every year from smoking-related diseases. And very often, tobacco smoke sends able-bodied and active people to the next world. The country already has a number of regulatory legal acts aimed at reducing the consumption of tobacco products. But people still smoke, and prohibitive measures alone are clearly not enough, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko notes. To solve this problem, a well-thought-out set of measures is needed, and administrative restrictions should be organically combined with various incentives, incentives, and information work. All these issues and proposed innovations were discussed on July 28 at a meeting with the head of state on the topic of circulation and consumption of tobacco products and electronic smoking systems.

Lukashenka urges to find new approaches to combat the problem of smoking

“We see that people are still smoking, and prohibitive measures alone are clearly not enough,” the President noted. - It's no secret that the forbidden fruit is always sweet for beginners (smokers. - Approx. BelTA). And longtime smokers need strong motivation to quit smoking. The time has come to find new ways to solve this problem, which will take into account the real state of affairs and the psychology of people.”

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that world experience and practice show that to achieve a result, not total bans are needed, but a well-thought-out set of measures. “Administrative restrictions should be organically combined with various kinds of incentives, incentives and information work. The main role here is given to doctors, journalists, teachers, ideologists,” the head of state said.

According to the President, the problem of tobacco consumption remains serious in Belarus. Despite the measures taken, almost half of the male population in the country smokes, and young people are increasingly suffering from this addiction. “Moreover, there are new products to imitate smoking that cause no less harm to health than tobacco. We are talking about electronic cigarettes, which are becoming increasingly popular. They attract with their unusualness, accessibility, lack of information about the dangers of their use. And not everyone agrees that they are as harmful as traditional cigarettes,” the head of state said.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that the reason for the current conversation was the draft decree, which was submitted for consideration. “The document is serious. I have to review and sign it. But I considered it necessary to once again consult on the issues related to the draft of this decree, returning in general to the issues of production and consumption of tobacco products,” the President said.

He recalled that the decree, designed to reduce the consumption of tobacco by the inhabitants of Belarus, was adopted back in 2002 and the necessary changes are made to it regularly. “But there is no proper result, which we expected, yet. Therefore, firstly, we should analyze how the provisions of the decree in the current version are being implemented and what progress has been achieved. Secondly (about those responsible for the implementation of its norms), how effectively do we track the results of the work being done? the head of state asked questions.

The new draft decree, in particular, proposes to equate electronic cigarettes with tobacco products and expand the list of places where smoking is prohibited. “However, the question arises whether these measures will bring the expected effect,” Alexander Lukashenko noted. “We should discuss whether everything is provided for in the draft decree, are there alternative ways to reduce tobacco smoking in Belarus?”

Minister of Health Vasily Zharko at the meeting said that tobacco consumption causes significant harm to the health of citizens, and this, in turn, places a heavy burden on society and the state. “Tobacco smoking is one of the main and avoidable risk factors for the development of non-communicable diseases, their complications and premature mortality,” he stressed.

According to the minister, non-communicable diseases account for about 86% of all diseases and 82% of deaths in Belarus. “In 2015, the death rate of men of working age was 4 times higher than that of women. And for certain reasons - diseases of the circulatory system, malignant neoplasms - up to 7 times. Tobacco smoke contains more than 90 known carcinogens and about 250 toxic compounds,” said Vasily Zharko.

As BelTA was told in the press service of the Belarusian leader, following the meeting, the President generally supported the draft of the updated decree. Separate nuances of the document will soon be finalized at the interdepartmental level, and the final version will be submitted to the head of state for signing. At the same time, the main requirement is that each proposed measure has a mandatory effect.

“There was a detailed balanced conversation. This is not just about prohibitive measures, but about a set of information, educational, educational and other measures, as a result, they should have an impact on reducing the number of people who consume tobacco products,” Minister of Trade Vladimir Koltovich said in an interview with journalists.

What is planned to change

- The circulation and use of electronic smoking systems will be regulated. In fact, it is planned that the new decree will equate electronic cigarettes in all aspects, including in relation to their sale and advertising, with conventional tobacco products.

- A ban on the consumption and circulation of non-smoking chewable mixtures is expected.

- The draft decree specifies the procedure for selling, smoking areas are strictly regulated. “Requirements such as the provision of smoking areas will be determined. This also applies to cafes and restaurants. Places where it is proposed to introduce a complete ban: elevators, playgrounds, beaches, industrial premises, premises occupied by physical education, sports organizations, occupied by children's sports, health and other camps and their territories, bus stops, metro stations, public transport, as well as cars and premises if there are children under the age of 14 in them,” the Minister of Trade said.

- In objects of trade, consumer services and public catering, smoking will be allowed only in specially equipped rooms. “These are not separate rooms for smokers and non-smokers, but separate smoking rooms. Requirements for such premises will be developed separately,” Vladimir Koltovich added.

— The President also supported the proposal that by the end of 2017, the sale of tobacco products using cash register equipment in trade organizations with an area of ​​1,000 square meters or more should be stopped. To do this, it will be necessary to equip special boxes or departments of stores. And by the end of 2020, this measure is proposed to be implemented in all stores.

Medical aspect

The proportion of smokers among cancer patients is 84.5%, patients with cardiovascular diseases - 80%, tuberculosis of the respiratory system - 77.1%, chronic nonspecific diseases of the pharynx, larynx, bronchi and lungs - 83%.

Smoking is an absolutely proven risk factor for the development of malignant neoplasms of a number of localizations (lips, larynx, trachea, lung, stomach, and others). According to WHO, tobacco smoking causes 90% of deaths from lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and coronary heart disease.

The number of deaths from malignant neoplasms in 2015, according to Belstat, amounted to 17,456 people. Among those who died from all neoplasms, the number of deaths associated with tobacco smoking is 25-30%.

Those who are frequently exposed to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke have a 60% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Both active and passive smoking are associated with accelerated development of atherosclerosis.

With passive smoking in the family, the risk of developing lung cancer in a non-smoking spouse increases by 10-20%. A similar situation is observed in the workplace, as well as in people who are constantly exposed to tobacco smoke from smokers.

What are the dangers of electronic cigarettes

There is a rapid increase in the use of electronic smoking systems (electronic cigarettes) in the world, including in Belarus, which poses a new threat to health, especially for the younger generation.

Electronic cigarettes produce an aerosol (vapour) that the user inhales. The main components of the solution used in such devices, in addition to nicotine (when present), are propylene glycol with or without glycerin, water and flavors. The final composition of the liquid and, consequently, its toxic properties depend on their percentage.

Evidence suggests that the aerosol is not just "water vapor" as often claimed in the marketing of these products, but poses a serious threat to others by increasing exposure to nicotine and a number of toxic substances.

The widespread distribution of electronic cigarettes, targeted misinformation about the safety of their use contribute to the introduction of nicotine to non-smokers, and especially young people.

A bit of sociology and statistics

The distribution of smokers depending on gender is as follows: among men, the proportion of smokers "constantly + from time to time" is 43%, the proportion of women smokers is 15.6%. The proportion of those who smoke constantly in the group of men is 30.6%, in the group of women - 7.2%.

According to the Ministry of Health, in recent years the number of smokers in Belarus has decreased by 14%. At the same time, doctors are concerned about the increase in tobacco consumption among adolescents, the Minister of Health told reporters.

At the same time, according to the Ministry of Trade, over 5 years, per capita sales of tobacco products in Belarus have decreased by 18%.

In most European countries, the proportion of adults who smoke daily is in the range of 20-30% (according to the latest WHO data). In Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine, the prevalence of daily smoking ranged from 25% to 30%. In Belarus, according to a 2015 sociological survey, almost 28% smoke.

The lowest prevalence of daily smoking among European countries was noted in Sweden (11%), Iceland (12), Great Britain (14), the highest - in Austria (44), Greece (36) and Russia (33).

How is smoking now being fought in Belarus

In our country, a targeted policy is being pursued to reduce the consumption of tobacco products, and relevant regulatory legal acts are in force. They implement the main provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Thus, advertising, open display of tobacco products, imitation of the appearance and (or) use of the names of types of tobacco products in the names of goods that are not tobacco products are prohibited in Belarus; wholesale, retail trade in such goods, sale of tobacco products to citizens of Belarus, foreign citizens and stateless persons under the age of 18 years.

According to Article 17.9 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, smoking (consumption) of tobacco products in places where it is prohibited in accordance with legislative acts entails a fine of up to four basic units. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the number of people brought to administrative responsibility for smoking in prohibited places increased from 888 people in 2008 to 11,165 people in 2015, including minors from 123 to 1,541 people, respectively.

To date, the issues of distribution of electronic cigarettes among the population, including via the Internet, as well as the prohibition of their sale to minors and their advertising, remain unresolved in Belarus.

international experience

Finland completely bans smoking in public places, advertising of tobacco products, sponsorship and other actions of tobacco manufacturers. The sale of tobacco products via the Internet is prohibited. Since January 1, 2012, tobacco products have been removed from the shelves of shops and kiosks and replaced with digital displays. Over the past 50 years, the number of smokers in Finland has decreased from 70-75% to about 18%. In general, the authorities of the republic set the public the task of becoming a non-smoking country by 2040.

Tough measures regarding the liability for smoking in public places have been adopted in Qatar, where this act is punishable by a fine in the equivalent of about $55 to $136. Other violations of Qatari legislation in this area entail a fine of up to $1,360, are punishable by imprisonment for up to 6 months or other measures. In case of repeated violations, the amount of the fine or the term of imprisonment is doubled.

Severe liability measures are also applied in the Republic of Korea and Bulgaria.

Australia has banned smoking in public places and public transport. It mainly applies to indoor areas, but also applies to public transport stops, structures such as outdoor stadiums or festival venues, as well as on the sidewalk along airport buildings, shopping centers and so on. Restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and other similar establishments may have a separate room or smoking area. Violation of this restriction is punishable by a fine of approximately $430.

The ban on the display of tobacco products in retail outlets is in effect in Iceland, Canada, Ireland, Thailand, Australia, Bolivia, Mauritius, Norway, Finland, Great Britain (with the exception of Scotland).

E-cigarettes

The sale of electronic smoking systems containing nicotine is banned in 13 of the 59 countries where they are regulated. Bans on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of e-cigarettes have been introduced in 39 countries, and the use of e-cigarettes in public places has been banned in 30 countries.

In Australia, liquids that contain nicotine are classified as medical products, and electronic cigarettes are classified as nicotine inhalers as a medical device. At the moment, there is no separate regulation in this country regarding electronic cigarettes that do not contain nicotine. However, starting in 2015, states began to include in their existing laws on the sale and advertising of tobacco products that it also applies to products designed to resemble tobacco products and to "personal steam inhalers."

Russia supports the WHO guidelines on e-cigarettes and proposes to ban the use of tobacco flavors in e-cigarettes, to ban manufacturers from disseminating information that the use of e-cigarettes reduces tobacco consumption.

In Denmark, electronic cigarettes are a medical device and require a license.

The sale of electronic cigarettes is legal in Canada in almost all states, however, in some of them there is a ban on the sale of liquids containing nicotine.

In Italy, the sale of electronic cigarettes is allowed, but since 2013 a ban on smoking in public places has been introduced and sales to persons under the age of 18 are prohibited.

A complete ban on electronic cigarettes is in effect in Thailand, Jordan, Iran, Kuwait, Norway, Brazil, Turkey, Panama, Singapore.

For 4 months of 2018, the capital's law enforcement officers drew up 1,237 protocols for smoking in prohibited places, a correspondent of the Minsk-Novosti agency was told at the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of the Minsk City Executive Committee.

In accordance with Article 17.9 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses, violators received a fine of up to 4 BV (98 rubles).

According to the City Health Center, there are now more than 20 smoking-free zones in Minsk:

In the Zavodskoy district

• Minsk Zoo;
• Pionersky square UE "Zelenstroy of the Zavodskoy district of Minsk";
• the site in front of the department store "Belarus" (within the limits of Zhilunovicha St., Partizansky Ave., the border of the division of the territory between the department store "Belarus" and the hotel "Tourist");
• park of culture and recreation named after the 900th anniversary of Minsk;
• the territory near the monument "Belarus Partisan".

In the Leninsky district

• Loshitsky manor and park complex;
• Alexander Square.

In the Moscow region:

• Independence Square with adjacent territories;
• courtyard of residential building No. 4 in the lane. Dairy.

in the Oktyabrsky district

• hotel "Sputnik";
• Park "Kurasovshchina"
• ski center "Solnechnaya Dolina"

In the Partizansky district

• Gorky Central Children's Park.

Pervomaisky district

• Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Belarus”;
• park of culture and recreation. Chelyuskintsev;
• UE ZhREO Pervomaisky district of Minsk;
• "Veteransky yard" (st. Tikotskogo, 46).

In the Soviet region

• recreation area on the Tsnyansky reservoir.

in the Frunzensky district

• park named after the 60th anniversary of October;
• park "Medvezhino";
• square on st. Belsky;
• square on st. Pritytsky;

In the Central region

• amusement park "Dreamland";
• filling stations of LLC "United Company";
• the territory of the printing enterprise "Khodar";

By orders of the administrations of institutions, smoking is prohibited in Atlant CJSC, Horizont CJSC, Olivaria OJSC, Milavitsa OJSC, Alesya OJSC, car park hostel No. 7, on the territories of bakeries No. 2–6, Avtomat.

The City Health Center also noted that special places (rooms) for smoking have been abolished at the city's sports facilities. Only when holding large-scale sports and cultural events in the Minsk Arena and Chizhovka Arena, one outdoor smoking area is organized. In 250 catering facilities of the capital, smoking is completely prohibited, 180 have separate rooms for smokers and non-smokers, and the rest have specially designated smoking areas (halls). No-smoking warning signs are posted at 43 tram stops and 1,791 bus and trolley bus stops. In addition, smoking is prohibited at all railway stations, airports, underpasses, subway stations, all types of public transport, train cars, ships, aircraft, with the exception of long-distance trains, passenger ships and aircraft, which provide places specifically for smoking.

While in Belarus, smoking is not so severely punished. It is forbidden to smoke in clinics and hospitals. Categorically, but this is also observed by the parents themselves, smoking is not allowed on the territory of kindergartens and schools. Even the staff goes to smoke outside the territory. This is strictly watched. It is forbidden to smoke on the territory of educational institutions. But students smoke from building to building.

It is forbidden to smoke in underground passages. This is where there can be trouble. Simply, as a rule, near the stations, in the passages where there are a lot of people, policemen are on duty, along with the protection of the metro. And near the entrance there are special urns. And many out of habit stop near the entrance to the subway and finish smoking. This is where they get caught. The entrance is in the underground passage, and you can’t smoke in it anyway.

You can not smoke in the entrances of houses. Penalty up to 5 basic. If in dollars, then it's up to 50 bucks. Smoking is not allowed in the amusement parks. But if in Minsk in the squares the police do not pay attention to this, then in Gorky Park and Chelyuskintsev they can easily slap a fine. But the police tend to treat it loyally. Usually just warn and ask to throw away the cigarette. It is also legally prohibited to smoke in all office buildings. It is forbidden to smoke on the territory of the courts. Here it is interesting. Near the executive committee is possible. But on the porch of the court it is impossible. In some cafes in the hall you can smoke. Some are prohibited. Smoking is prohibited in all public toilets. Though here as where. For example, in the ballet theater it is strictly forbidden to smoke, but in the musical one you can smoke. There is an extractor there.

There is one more feature. Signs to smoke in the Republic of Belarus hang out where not too lazy. In hotels, platforms, railway stations and so on. But it gets ridiculous. There is an ashtray on the platform, next to which is a “No Smoking” sign, and a bunch of people who meet them smoke. The police pass quietly without paying attention. But as soon as one of the passengers threw a cigarette butt on the rails, the law enforcement officers immediately approached him and, pointing (!) At the sign, had a sentimental conversation. In general, the situation is quite comical. But there is no particular strictness in the Republic of Belarus for smokers. There are laws and restrictions, but they apply depending on the circumstances. The hotel does not allow smoking on the stairs and in the room. But when you open the window, no one will scold you. But if you throw cigarette butts and it will be noticed, comments can be made here.

Another example is stops. You can't smoke on them at all. But everyone smokes. But if you pay attention, people try to stand on the leeward side. Do not climb under the visor with a cigarette. Or they come to a stop. It is not customary to smoke openly in the crowd at the bus stop. But no one is running.

In general, smokers in Belarus are quite tolerant if smoking is not combined with rudeness and bad manners. As a rule, those who do not respond to comments, throw cigarette butts anywhere and anywhere, do not respond to a request not to smoke at a stop, or insolently smoke in prohibited places and litter, are fined. It's the same with beer. In Belarus it is forbidden to drink beer in public places. But if you sit in the park and drink beer without advertising, most likely they will not pay attention to you. But with a company, but with smoking and throwing garbage, you will immediately be detained. It should be noted that Minsk, for example, and all regional centers in the Republic of Belarus are very clean cities. And law enforcement officers pay attention to this as well. If only where the company would not sit, scattering empty packs of chips, throwing cigarette butts and plastic bottles. But no one will choke you on the street for sitting on a bench to smoke a cigarette.

Amendments to anti-smoking decree No. 28, which were supposed to introduce a complete ban on smoking in public places, have been sent for revision. Doctors, meanwhile, continue to sound the alarm about the dangers of smoking, especially passive smoking, and began to fight a new problem - electronic cigarettes.

Photo firestock.ru

At a meeting on tobacco use on 28 July Alexander Lukashenko about the need to find new approaches in the fight against smoking. In his opinion, prohibitive measures are not enough: for novice smokers "forbidden fruit is always sweet, and longtime smokers need strong motivation to quit".

As the head of the public health department of the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health said at a press conference on August 17 Olga Bartman, currently they are working on amendments to the decree again "interested public authorities".

Initially, the amendments provided for a total ban on smoking at bus stops, in elevators, on public balconies of apartment buildings, on playgrounds, beaches and other places. The owners of cafes and restaurants, according to the draft document, must equip isolated smoking areas with a ventilation and exhaust system indoors.

Attempts to ban smoking in public places in Belarus have been made before. In 2013, the Ministry of Health developed a draft anti-tobacco law, which included a complete ban on smoking in closed public places, an increase in the cost of tobacco products, a ban on hidden advertising of cigarettes, and other measures. The bill was planned to be submitted to the Parliament in 2014, but the document was not included in the plan of legislative activity either for that or for subsequent years.

Some measures to limit the sale of cigarettes were nevertheless taken: for example, the open display of tobacco products in stores is prohibited - now only a list of names with prices can be seen at the checkout.

On May 15 this year, the technical regulation on tobacco products, approved by the Eurasian Economic Commission, came into force. This document introduces new requirements for cigarette packages that will look the same regardless of the manufacturer.

In particular, the new packaging will be two-color - black and white. At least 50% of the area on both sides of the package will be occupied by frightening images of the consequences of smoking. The opportunity for the manufacturer to identify himself remains only at the bottom of the pack.

According to Bartman, the new packaging should appear no later than a year after the entry into force of the technical regulations.

Even curtains in a smoky apartment are dangerous for children

Public Health Program Coordinator, WHO Country Office in Belarus Valentin Rusovich believes that limiting places where smoking is allowed is important not only for tobacco users, but also for the people around them - employees of cafes and restaurants, children whose parents smoke.

According to WHO, 6 million people die each year from smoking, 10% of them from passive smoking. Their causes of death are the same as those of active smokers - oncological and cardiovascular diseases, the specialist noted.

The division of halls in restaurants into areas for smokers and non-smokers does not give the desired result, the specialist noted.

“The technical approach, namely the introduction of ventilation systems, the separation of smokers and non-smokers does not fully protect against tobacco smoke. There is no safe concentration of tobacco smoke,- he said.

Even non-smoking employees of bars and restaurants, being in a room where smoking is allowed, inhale smoke during a shift, similar to smoking 7-10 cigarettes.

According to Rusovich, it is necessary to ban smoking not only in public catering, but also in hotel rooms in order to exclude the so-called tertiary passive smoking.

“Even if there is no tobacco and smoke in the room, it accumulates smoke products - in curtains and carpets. All the same carcinogens, but in a slightly lower concentration, are harmful due to tertiary contact. In domestic terms, tertiary passive smoking causes great harm to children. Many parents do not understand that even if they do not smoke in the presence of children in the house, the child still has contact with smoke products, ”- said the representative of WHO.

According to him, tertiary passive smoking can affect the development of bronchial asthma and worsening its course, the occurrence of acute otitis media in children.

The higher prevalence of smoking among men than among women also contributes to a significant difference in life expectancy - more than 10 years, Rusovich noted. In particular, last year life expectancy for men was 68.6 years, for women - 78.9 years.

“Mortality from acute myocardial infarction, which is largely due to smoking, is 20 times higher among the male population than among the female population,”- emphasized the specialist.

Even children can buy electronic cigarettes

Changes to Decree No. 28 also included a ban on the open display of electronic cigarettes and the introduction of restrictions on their sale, but so far this product is outside the control of the state.

One of the few restrictive measures currently in place for electronic cigarettes is a ban on the use of the term "cigarettes", when selling this product is referred to as "electronic vapor generators".

“We have come to a situation that concerns not only electronic cigarettes, but also energy drinks, when they are not regulated in our country in any way - any child can buy them anywhere. The worst thing is that it is not clear what they are buying: nothing is produced in the republic. Flavorings, fillers for electronic cigarettes are mainly imported from other countries. Their composition is unknown, and we cannot carry out any conformity assessment, ”- noted the consultant of the Department of Organization of Trade and Services of the Ministry of Trade Ludmila Petrkovskaya.

According to her, the issue of regulating the sale and use of electronic cigarettes, including assessing their quality, is currently being considered.

Meanwhile, doctors note that when smoking an electronic cigarette, propylene glycol and nicotine with steam immediately enter the alveoli of the lungs. Some people, most often teenagers, have experienced cases of nicotine poisoning when using electronic smoking systems, since the person does not dose smoking.

According to Olga Bartman, the draft of the updated decree envisaged the introduction of the same requirements for the sale of electronic cigarettes as for other tobacco products. In particular, it was planned to ban the open display of electronic cigarettes and their sale to persons under 18 years of age.

“In the future, I believe, the work will be actively continued,” she said .