China's Health Commission Studies E-Cigarette Regulation Through Legislation

The health hazards of e-cigarettes are increasingly attracting attention. Mao Qun'an, Director of the Planning Department of the National Health Commission, revealed today (July 22) at a press conference that the National Health Commission is conducting research on e-cigarette regulation in collaboration with relevant departments, planning to regulate e-cigarettes through legislation.

Regarding the health hazards of e-cigarettes, Mao Qun'an stated that the aerosol produced by e-cigarettes contains many toxic and harmful substances, and the unclear labeling of nicotine content can easily lead to excessive consumption by smokers. Additionally, e-cigarettes also pose risks of explosion and burns.

According to him, the use of e-cigarettes in China is at a relatively low level. However, according to a 2018 survey by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the proportions of people who have heard of, have used, and are currently using e-cigarettes have all increased compared to 2015. The use of e-cigarettes can easily induce adolescents to use traditional tobacco, accelerating the trend of younger smokers.

Mao Qun'an stated that in light of this, it is necessary to strictly strengthen the regulation of e-cigarettes. He revealed that the National Health Commission is currently conducting research on e-cigarette regulation and plans to regulate e-cigarettes through legislation.

This news indicates that although the prevalence of e-cigarettes in China is low, the usage and impact rates have increased compared to 2015. To prevent adolescents from using traditional tobacco due to e-cigarettes and to accelerate the trend of younger smokers, it is necessary to legislate for the regulation of e-cigarettes.