Health electronic cigarette ban in enclosed public spaces

Drafting . Madrid
The Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality propose the autonomous communities on Wednesday in the framework of the Inter-Territorial Council , prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in enclosed public spaces. This item has been included in the late agenda of the meeting at the request of several autonomous communities, the Government demanded a stand against the amendment of the European directive of snuff . Ministry 's response is clear: ban the use of electronic cigarettes the same level as the restrictions on consumption of snuff .

Family photo of the last Inter-territorial Council in July.

Family photo of the last Inter-territorial Council in July .

According to the ministerial report that has had Medical Writing Access , Health aims to " advance the ban on their use and consumption ( electronic cigarette ) in public spaces covered by Law 28/2005 as amended by Law 42/2010 of December 30 . " The Ministry justified this decision because " the effectiveness of electronic cigarettes to help you quit smoking has not been proven, moreover, can not be excluded risks to health associated with the use or exposure vapor electronic cigarettes " .

Reply to communities

Several regions, among which Andalusia, Catalonia and Valencia , have advanced over the past week its intention to regulate regional use of electronic cigarettes. Andalusia and Valencia raised own rules that banned its use in health and education centers , while Catalonia went a step further, in line with the now raised the Ministry , opting for restricted use in any public space closed . Other communities , such as Cantabria and Castilla y León had indicated their intention to wait for the government's proposal before establishing specific rules in this regard .

Negotiations with the EU

On his talks with the European Commission for the implementation of the policy, the Ministry explained that "given the situation in the EU , in consideration of these products as medicine predominates , either totally or partially , the Council proposes face the trialogue , a new text approach whereby communication plus ingredients to manufacturers and importers would require documentation to determine product quality and safety thereof and shall be submitted to the member States prior to the marketing " .

" Spain supports the proposal for the EU Presidency regarding the regulation of electronic cigarettes under this policy snuff products , as proposed by Parliament , but by increasing the guarantees of quality and safety by the authorities. Most MSs support this same proposal, on the fundamental aspects as determined limit nicotine in them and the marketing ban refillable cartridges "they add.

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Ana Mato department also anticipates future changes to the current smoking ban to adapt to the new EU rules. Current proposal aims to ban the use of flavorings that mask the taste of cigarettes and snuff in bite liar and additives associated with increased energy and vitality. In addition , toxic ingredients or character will be evaluated to increase the addition.

The proposal focuses on cigarettes and fine-cut rolling . With regard to packaging and labeling the proposal aims to ensure clear information on the damage to health . The proposal provides that the combined warnings ( more text graphics ) occupy 65 percent of both sides of the packages.