Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu (Mar 2022)
Electronic cigarettes and novel tobacco products –current legal status and identification of new challenges for public health
Abstract
Introduction and objective Currently, in the world of science, there is a discussion about the issue of the possible lower harmfulness of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and novel tobacco products in relation to traditional tobacco products. The aim of the study was analysis of the legal regulations regarding tobacco products in Poland, and identification of the differences between national and international (EU, WHO) legal regulations concerning the above-mentioned products. Material and methods The provisions of the Polish Anti-Tobacco Act, the EU Tobacco Product Directive, and the provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control were analyzed. Each of these three documents was examined in terms of legal regulations regarding ingredients, labelling, tracking system and sales of tobacco products. Regulations on novel tobacco products and electronic cigarettes were also analysed. Results The amendment of national anti-smoking regulations results from the need for the adjustment of national regulations to international law. Adaptation of international regulations, which effectively limit the use of tobacco products, is a multi-stage process requiring an appropriate time frame, which makes it difficult to undertake quick actions related to the changing public health situation in this area. National regulations concerning ingredients, labelling and tobacco tracking system were implemented from the EU law. Polish anti-tobacco regulations do not considerably exceed the WHO FCTC. Conclusions There is a further urgent need for adaptation of the provisions of the Anti-Tobacco Act in order to ensure a smoke-free environment. The actual introduction of regulations going beyond the mandatory EU regulations is possible mainly during the implementation of the subsequent directives into national law.
Keywords
