Electronic cigarettes, vapes and tobacco heating devices could be banned in all closed public spaces, according to a project supported by MPs from USR, PSD and PNL.
A legislative project supported by MPs from USR, PSD and PNL proposes to extend smoking bans so that electronic cigarettes, vapes and tobacco heating devices are banned in all closed public spaces.
The initiative, signed by Diana Stoica and Ruxandra Cibu Deaconu (USR), Adrian Streinu-Cercel (PSD) and Maria Gabriela Horga (PNL), amends the law on preventing and combating the effects of tobacco consumption, by redefining the notion of “smoking”.
In the proposed form, “smoking” would include not only the burning of tobacco, but also the inhalation of aerosols resulting from the heating or vaporization of products containing tobacco, nicotine or other substances intended for inhalation, with the exception of products used for medical purposes. In this way, the new provisions would also explicitly cover the use of electronic cigarettes and vape devices, which could no longer be used at all in closed public spaces.
Currently, the legislation prohibits smoking in the classical sense in closed public spaces, while for electronic devices there are specific restrictions, especially in public transport.
Ruxandra Cibu Deaconu, member of the Senate Health Committee, explained that the industry has introduced new types of products that end up being used in spaces where smoking is already prohibited, and their effects are comparable in terms of risks.
“Many years ago, Romania made the right decisions regarding the protection of children and non-smokers from the harmful effects of smoking. Unfortunately, the tobacco industry adapted and offered smokers new products with nicotine or other toxic substances, which today are used more and more in spaces where smoking is prohibited. The effects of these products are, however, at least as harmful and, therefore, it is absolutely necessary to align the legislation and mention them explicitly in the definition of smoking, to eliminate any interpretation or confusion and to protect the health of those who end up passively, involuntarily inhaling these substances”, said Ruxandra Cibu Deaconu.
In support of the initiative, USR invokes positions of the World Health Organization, which draws attention to the fact that aerosols resulting from the use of electronic cigarettes can increase the concentration of fine particles in the air in closed spaces, affecting its quality.
“Romania ranks 1st in Europe in terms of avoidable deaths. 9 out of 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking. And smoking is smoking, regardless of the object used. Classic cigarettes, heated or steamed cigarettes (vapes), all are harmful. For years, Romanians (especially our children) have been fooled by advertisements, privileges and colorful devices that they are not so bad. But our children have the right to breathe clean air and when they walk at the mall, and when they eat at a restaurant, and when they take a taxi and they don’t have to be forced to inhale all these chemicals, which stay in the air for hours, get into the lungs, the brain and other organs,” Diana Stoica scored.
Also, the Romanian Society of Pneumology and the Romanian Society of Cardiology have submitted public positions in which they draw attention to the fact that electronic cigarettes cannot be considered a risk-free alternative, mentioning possible negative health effects, including among adolescents, as well as the increase in cardiovascular and pulmonary risks in adults.
