Industry reacts to tobacco control bill

YOUTH VAPING RATES

- THEOLIN TEMBO [e-mail]

WHILE a recent study by UCT has sounded the alarm over levels of vape usage among teens, the industry has sought to reassure that they take the matter seriously, but are also concerned how vaping is viewed in the Tobacco Products & Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill.

The Health Department has said that, due to tobacco use remaining one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease worldwide, “the government has proposed legislation on Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems as part of its efforts to enforce strong tobacco control policies in South Africa”.

The department said the bill aims not only to protect current and future generations from the harms of tobacco but also to promote health equity and sustainable development.

Vaping has been in the spotlight, after a UCT study sounded the alarm on vaping rates among South Africans can teens, urging the swift enactment of the bill to curb what they warn could become a full-blown national epidemic.

The study found that nearly 17% of pupils surveyed currently use vapes: among them, 38.3% vape daily, over 50% vape more than four days a week, and 88% reported using products containing nicotine.