Is Japan Considering a Ban on IQOS Because of Menthol Cigarettes?
U.S. anti-smoking groups, frustrated by the federal government's inaction on banning menthol cigarettes, have decided to take action themselves. In recent months, several cities have proposed legislation to restrict menthol cigarettes, as health organizat
The American anti-smoking organization is protesting the federal government's inaction on banning menthol cigarettes and has decided to take action themselves.
In recent months, several cities have proposed legislation to restrict menthol cigarettes, as health organizations believe that menthol cigarettes will attract more people to start smoking. "We have always hoped that the FDA would advance regulations in this area," said Matthew L. Myers, president of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "Faced with this disappointing situation, our association unanimously agreed to take action."
San Francisco has been the most proactive among many cities. This June, San Francisco implemented a sales ban that was supposed to start in April of the following year. However, under strong protests from R.J. Reynolds (the world's best-selling menthol cigarette brand), a referendum on the ban was initiated in 2018.
If the referendum agrees to the ban, more cities will follow suit. With menthol flavors accounting for 30% of cigarette sales in the U.S., this could have a multi-million dollar impact.
Japan's Vaping Dilemma
The Japanese government and the Tokyo local government have differing views on how to regulate heated tobacco products during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
In Japan's Tobacco Business Law, heated tobacco products are treated the same as combustible tobacco products, so they will be regulated by legislation drafted by the Ministry of Health, Health Promotion Program, and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
The Ministry of Health stated that if the harmlessness of HNB is scientifically proven, they will consider excluding it from the existing regulations. However, among the approximately 17,000 public comments received, 2,000 called for HNB products to be excluded from the original regulations. The Tokyo government also expressed a more neutral view, stating that they are still studying the matter.
Phillip Morris Japan stated that HNB products like IQOS are on average 90% less harmful than combustible tobacco products. Japan Tobacco also stated that HNB products do not pollute indoor environments.
However, the Japan Respiratory Society published an editorial in October stating that as long as HNB products still pose potential harm to health, they should not be promoted in society.
Professor Yamato Hiroshi from the University of Occupational and Environmental Health stated: "It is a bottom line not to promote questionable products to the public unless proven harmless."
Recommended Reading: Why is IQOS Banned?
In recent months, several cities have proposed legislation to restrict menthol cigarettes, as health organizations believe that menthol cigarettes will attract more people to start smoking. "We have always hoped that the FDA would advance regulations in this area," said Matthew L. Myers, president of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "Faced with this disappointing situation, our association unanimously agreed to take action."
San Francisco has been the most proactive among many cities. This June, San Francisco implemented a sales ban that was supposed to start in April of the following year. However, under strong protests from R.J. Reynolds (the world's best-selling menthol cigarette brand), a referendum on the ban was initiated in 2018.
If the referendum agrees to the ban, more cities will follow suit. With menthol flavors accounting for 30% of cigarette sales in the U.S., this could have a multi-million dollar impact.Japan's Vaping Dilemma
The Japanese government and the Tokyo local government have differing views on how to regulate heated tobacco products during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
In Japan's Tobacco Business Law, heated tobacco products are treated the same as combustible tobacco products, so they will be regulated by legislation drafted by the Ministry of Health, Health Promotion Program, and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
The Ministry of Health stated that if the harmlessness of HNB is scientifically proven, they will consider excluding it from the existing regulations. However, among the approximately 17,000 public comments received, 2,000 called for HNB products to be excluded from the original regulations. The Tokyo government also expressed a more neutral view, stating that they are still studying the matter.
Phillip Morris Japan stated that HNB products like IQOS are on average 90% less harmful than combustible tobacco products. Japan Tobacco also stated that HNB products do not pollute indoor environments.However, the Japan Respiratory Society published an editorial in October stating that as long as HNB products still pose potential harm to health, they should not be promoted in society.
Professor Yamato Hiroshi from the University of Occupational and Environmental Health stated: "It is a bottom line not to promote questionable products to the public unless proven harmless."
Recommended Reading: Why is IQOS Banned?
