Argentine vaping association calls on government to lift vape ban

The Argentine Vaping Association is questioning the government’s policy to regulate vape products.

The association admits that vaping devices are not harmless, but for those who cannot or do not want to quit smoking, vaping devices can reduces the risk of traditional tobacco cigarettes by 95%. Therefore, they call for independent regulation that does not treat it on an equal footing with traditional tobacco cigarette.

There are about a million Argentines use vaping devices.

Vapes and heated tobacco products are popular worldwide. They are not only popular with those looking for a burn-free and lower-nicotine option. But also with those who prefer to inhale nicotine-free flavored vape products.

In Argentina, where the use of these products is not sanctioned by law. It is estimated that around one million people are currently using vaping products nationwide.

However, since 2011, the sale, import, distribution, promotion and advertising of vapes has been prohibited under the ANMAT(The National Administration of Drugs, Food and Medical Devices); Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has banned the use of heated tobacco products from March 2023.

Nicotine and about 7000 kinds of toxic substances in cigarettes are addictive. These substances may lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and various cancers (such as lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, pharyngeal cancer, etc.).

According to statistics released by the Argentina Ministry of Health, 22.2% of adults over the age of 18 smoke. And about 45,000 people die from smoking every year (accounting for 14% of the total number of deaths).

The health effects of traditional cigarettes cause a range of problems each year. 19,000 cancer diagnoses, 33,000 pneumonias, 11,000 strokes, 61,000 hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease. And more than 100,000 new cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

a man is using a vaping device

The Argentina Vaping Association calls for independent regulation for vape products.

Vape products, including vape pen, vape pod, vape mod and other types, are battery-powered devices. They heat a solution of propylene glycol, glycerin, and possibly flavorants to 250 degrees Celsius to produce a inhalation of aerosols.

Furthermore, the PTCs heat specially formulated tobacco leaves and pods of nicotine without burning them. They are considered toxic and carcinogenic by WHO. As a result, the WHO says that PTCs should be regulated as”other types among tobacco products”. Because “there is currently insufficient data to show that they are more harmful than conventional cigarettes”.

In Argentina, the Ministry of Health has severely restricted vaping devices and PTCs. They concern about the potential health risks and addictive behavior of vapes and PTCS.

However, the Argentine Vaping Association admits that vape products are not completely harmless. But it claims that for those who cannot or do not want to quit, they are 95% less risky than traditional tobacco.

Therefore, the association call for independent regulation that does not treat it on an equal footing with traditional tobacco.

The president of the association, Juan Facundo Teme, believes that the use of vapes is stigmatized in Argentina. He calls on the government to study regulations in countries such as the UK, asking “Why the only option in Latin America is a ban?”