Scientific societies and national bodies have warned of the following risks: Possibility of legalizing e-cigarettesfalsely presented as a “less harmful” alternative. Furthermore, they believe that allowing its commercialization would represent a significant health setback. will particularly affect children and adolescentsby promoting new forms of nicotine addiction.
Based on a recent report titled. Emerging products and health hazards: Argentina situation and recommendations (2025)The report, produced by multiple medical societies, highlights: no independent scientific evidence This proves that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are safe. On the contrary, it warns that their use is associated with serious cardiovascular disease, stroke and metabolic disorders, making them comparable risks to traditional cigarettes.
In parallel, reviews published this yeartobacco regulationidentified The link between e-cigarettes and various health problemsIt has proven negative effects on the body, causing pneumonia, bronchitis, headaches, oral damage, and decreased sperm count. It adds that the combination of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes (dual use) significantly increases the risk of harm.
Authoritarians don’t like this
The practice of professional and critical journalism is a fundamental pillar of democracy. That is why it bothers those who believe that they are the owners of the truth.
Organizations such as the Argentine Association of Respiratory Medicine (AAMR), the State Society of Pathology and Respirology of Buenos Aires (STNBA), the Argentine Society of Tobacco (ASAT), the Argentine Pediatric Society (SAP), the Argentine Anti-Tobacco Union (UATA), the Inter-American Heart Foundation (FIC Argentina), and the Heart Disease Development Foundation. Sustainable Policies (Fundeps) and the Argentine Association of Addiction Experts (AEA).
Scientific evidence shows that e-cigarettes act as a gateway to tobacco consumption, and what is particularly worrying for young people is that many start smoking after using e-cigarettes, increasing the risk of other addictions.
At the same time, Argentina’s statistics reflect an alarming reality. According to the FIC Argentina survey (2023), 8.9% of adolescents Currently taking drugs between the ages of 13 and 18 E-cigarettes have surpassed the numbers registered in 2018, with 38.7% of young people in Buenos Aires having tried at least some tobacco or nicotine product. Meanwhile, the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (2018) shows that: Used by 7.1% of youth ages 13 to 15 With the spread of electronic cigarettes, consumption among minors is on the rise.
Which country bans smoking for all young people, including tourists?
From the point of view of the signatories, “the legalization of electronic cigarettes will open the door directly to a new generation of consumers. The tobacco industry is trying to regain its market among young people through attractive products with sweet flavors and a large presence on social networks.”
Current legal framework and calls for stronger controls
Argentina has a current legal framework that prohibits the marketing, import, distribution, and advertising of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The prohibited matters are as follows: ANMAT Article 3226/2011 and Resolution 565/2023 This was adopted on the basis of the precautionary principle to protect public health in the face of clear scientific evidence about the risks it presents.
Similarly, scientific societies and national organizations should Tobacco and nicotine control policy. In fact, they are calling for stronger inspections to prevent illegal sales and advertising. In a statement, they said: “Talking about harm reduction is Tobacco industry discourse strategy. True harm reduction must be guided by public policy based on scientific evidence and health concerns, not commercial interests. ”
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