Iraq to ban e-cigarettes
Yesterday (May 7), Iraq’s Ministry of Health announced plans to ban the import, sale, and circulation of e-cigarettes nationwide, citing growing public health concerns and an alarming rise in e-cigarette use among young people, including children. Dr. Was
Yesterday (May 7), Iraq’s Ministry of Health announced plans to ban the import, sale, and circulation of e-cigarettes nationwide, citing growing concerns over public health and an alarming rise in vaping among young people, including children.
Dr. Wasim al-Kilani, assistant director of the Ministry of Health’s National Anti-Tobacco Program in Iraq, said a new legislative measure called the Law on Preventing the Harmful Effects of Tobacco is close to being passed. The law will strictly prohibit the entry and commercial trade of e-cigarettes and will include clear enforcement mechanisms such as fines, legal penalties, and confiscation of vaping devices.
According to Ministry of Health statistics, 36% of men, 18.7% of adults, and 11% of adolescents in Iraq smoke. Al-Kilani said e-cigarettes pose serious health risks and are especially popular among children, teenagers, and even young girls because of their colorful designs and appealing flavors. "These devices have dangerous effects on the brain and cognitive function," he said.
The crackdown on e-cigarettes is part of Iraq’s nationwide anti-tobacco campaign. Like many countries in the Middle East, Iraq has long struggled with high smoking rates, but according to the ministry, the introduction of e-cigarettes has made the situation more complicated because they attract a younger, more tech-savvy demographic that often views them as a safer alternative.
Although the bill still awaits formal passage, Al-Kilani confirmed that it will be strictly enforced and urged citizens, especially parents and educators, to support efforts to curb the vaping epidemic before it spirals further out of control.
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