Hong Kong to ban e-cigarettes, other new smoking products скачать в хорошем качестве

Hong Kong to ban e-cigarettes, other new smoking products

(23 Oct 2018) LEADIN: Hong Kong's leader says the semi-autonomous Chinese territory plans to ban e-cigarettes and other new smoking products to protect public health. The use of vaping devices has been widely criticized and over two dozen countries have already banned them. STORYLINE: E-cigarettes typically contain the stimulant nicotine and there's little research on their long-term effects, including whether they help smokers quit. The rise in teenagers using e-cigarettes has alarmed health officials in the United States who worry users will become addicted and be more likely to try cigarettes. Worldwide, the use of e-cigarettes has become a multi-billion industry with hundreds of brands. In Hong Kong, vaping products are found in trendy shopping malls frequented by youngsters in downtown shopping areas such as Mong Kok and Causeway Bay. Here, many are concerned about the potential ban on e-cigarettes and other new smoking products announced by Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam on 10 October. Lam said her government was drawing up proposed legislation to forbid the import, manufacture, sale, distribution and advertisement of products used in the pastime known as vaping. "With the proposed ban of e-cigarettes and other new tobacco alternatives, I think the government is eliminating our choice," argues heat-not-burn product user, Joseph Lo. "How can the government remove our rights to choose a less harmful product? If the government imposes a complete ban of e-cigarettes, why doesn't the government also ban conventional cigarettes?" Heat-not-burn products take processed tobacco and heat it to a lower temperature than a conventional cigarette, rather than burning it. There has been no evidence to suggest that there is any lowered risk or health benefits compared with traditional cigarettes.      The market for cigarettes worldwide is declining, although mainland China remains the largest producer and consumer of tobacco products, with more than half of the country's men regular smokers. In Hong Kong, bans on smoking in public places have significantly reduced consumption. "We, e-cigarettes sellers, want to provide an alternative to conventional smokers," says e-cigarette store owner, Max Chan. "There are many reports saying that e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products and other new tobacco alternatives are less harmful than conventional cigarettes." Christine Hu, chairman of the Coalition on Tobacco Affairs, an umbrella group of tobacco producers, says any blind prohibition of e-cigarettes and other new tobacco products will not prevent consumers, especially young people, from getting the product through the black market or online platforms. "We believe a more rational and pragmatic approach is to regulate," she says. "By regulating this new product, we can prevent sales to minors, ensure (the) quality of products (is) up to standard, while allowing adult consumers to have a choice of potentially less harmful alternatives."    Antonio Kwong, chairman of Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, the city's anti-smoking body, believes the best way to combat illicit trade is to step up enforcement and combat illicit activities. He thinks education and publicity are key. "E-cigarettes emit harmful and carcinogenic substances, which have no safety level," says Kwong. "There's absolutely no evidence that the harms emitted by e-cigarettes is lower and less harmful than conventional cigarettes, there's no proven study. ==== Clients are reminded: Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...