The ban on flavors in e-cigarettes, which came into effect in early 2024, has led to a significant decline in e-cigarette use, with many users cutting back on Coat or even stopped altogether, according to research by the RIVM. This is the first study into the effectiveness of the flavour ban.
RIVM surveyed over 1000 e-cigarette users, both young and adults, about their vape use since the ban was introduced. The results show that 40 percent of respondents have started vaping less because of the ban.
Completely Stopped
In addition, 22 percent of respondents indicated that they had stopped vaping altogether as a result of the flavor ban. “This is fantastic news, because that is exactly what we introduced this ban for,” says RIVM researcher Anne Havermans.
Among the ban’s primary target group, 13- to 25-year-olds, 41 percent said they had cut back on vaping, and 20 percent said they had quit completely. Among the older group (25 and older), the decline was slightly smaller, with 38 percent cutting back on vaping and 26 percent quitting.
Unintended Side Effects
They also looked at unintended side effects of the ban, such as buying flavours on the illegal market or switching to other harmful products. Havermans explains: “Most consumers who stopped because of the ban did not look for alternatives.”
The flavor ban was introduced in early 2024. According to research by the Trimbos Institute, one in five Dutch youth between the ages of 12 and 25 vaped last year. Two-thirds of young people who vape regularly also smoke cigarettes.
Health risks
Last year, at least 14 children in the Netherlands were admitted to hospital due to health problems after vaping. Most of them had serious conditions. For example, a 16-year-old boy suffered a serious pulmonary hemorrhage and a 15-year-old girl was admitted to intensive care. Pediatricians warn that this is just the tip of the iceberg, as the number of children with health problems due to vaping is likely much higher.
Reducing Vaping Among Youth
With this ban, the government wants to reduce the use of e-cigarettes among young people. State Secretary Vincent Karremans of Youth, Prevention and Sport is even considering further measures to tighten the policy. He is investigating the possibility of making the illegal offering of vapes via social media, such as Snapchat, punishable and increasing fines for violations.
Karremans also says he is working on a bill to ban the stocking of flavored vapes. This should prevent sellers from stocking large quantities of vapes without visibly selling them.
Effectiveness of the Ban
The RIVM is satisfied with the results of the study, which will be published in full later this year. "There are still ways to obtain illegal vapes, for example from abroad. But for most e-cigarette users, the ban was a motivation to stop or use less. This shows that the ban, in combination with good enforcement by the NVWA, is effective," says Havermans.
Source: rtl.nl
