Without regulation, 1 in 5 young people consume electronic cigarettes in Brazil, says research

One in every five young Brazilians uses electronic cigarettes, shows a survey by the Federal University of Pelotas, in Rio Grande do Sul. The survey also shows that the equipment — also called vape — is most popular among young people aged 18 to 24.

Despite not being regulated in Brazil, electronic cigarettes are sold freely on the streets, which experts say is an element that increases the risks to users.

This is because, as they are illegal, there is no control over their entry into the country, the illegal market and the substances that are used in these devices.

“People who had the opportunity to purchase these devices in countries where there are already health rules, when they use this device that complies with health rules, they feel a difference in their health. She starts to lead a healthier life, even though she is sometimes unable to stop the habit”, says Alessandra Bastos, former director of Anvisa and BAT consultant.

Regulation

Without regulation, supervision is also hampered. The rules for sale and use could contribute, in Brazil, to inhibit consumption by children under 18, for example.

The focus of this type of product, for some experts, is adults who already smoke, in a kind of harm reduction policy.

In countries where there has been regulation, the rate of consumers under 18 years of age is lower than in Brazil, where the rate of minors who have tried the product is 16.8%. In the UK, the experimentation rate is 7%.

“When we observe the evolution of these young people who tried electronic cigarettes in countries where the rule exists, you see that, of these young people, only 1% continue to use electronic cigarettes. For the young audience, I can’t even research it. And why can’t I do research on the health of electronic cigarettes in Brazil? Because the import of this product is even prohibited for research”, says Alessandra Bastos.

A public hearing in the Federal Senate will debate, at the end of this month, the importance of regulating electronic cigarettes.

Anvisa says that there is a regulatory discussion process regarding electronic devices, but it will only provide information about the process after it is completed.