Proposals to introduce a public ban on e-cigarettes and minimum alcohol pricing in Wales have been outlined by the Welsh Government.
In a public health white paper, Health Minister Mark Drakeford has outlined a ban on using e-cigarettes in public places to address concerns that such use ‘normalises’ smoking.
Introducing the white paper, Health Minister Prof Drakford said: “Alcohol and tobacco contribute to many life-threatening illnesses and are major causes of persistent inequalities in health.
“There is indisputable evidence that the price of alcohol matters. It’s no coincidence that as the affordability of alcohol has increased substantially, so has alcohol-related death and disease. A minimum unit price will make a strong contribution to preventing alcohol overuse and misuse and reducing alcohol-associated illnesses.
“I have concerns about the impact of e-cigarettes on the enforcement of Wales’ smoking ban. That’s why we are proposing restricting their use in enclosed public places.
“I am also concerned that their use in enclosed public places could normalise smoking behaviour.
“E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and I want to minimise the risk of a new generation becoming addicted to this drug.”
The Welsh Conservatives have criticised the proposals.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said: “I am unconvinced by the arguments for a public ban on e-cigarettes and I fear this would be a huge step backwards for quitters.
“There is a clear danger that forcing someone outside into a smoker’s hut will put them in temptation’s way and harm their health due to second-hand smoke exposure.
“We should be giving people a helping hand to quit – not yanking them backwards.
“Anything that stigmatises those working hard to improve their health should be very carefully examined.”
On plans for minimum alcohol pricing, Mr Millar said: “Clarity is required on competency of the National Assembly here and Labour ministers need to clear up concerns.
“If this is devolved – within which area does it lie – and where are the details?
“The majority of these proposals have great potential to improve public health in Wales – particularly following 15 years of Labour failure in tackling health inequalities.
“However – if Labour makes a mistake on competency – there is a danger that this opportunity will be lost.”
Consultation on the white paper ends in June.
Mark Drakeford is proposing a ban on the use of E-cigarettes in public places, alongside the ban on smoking tobacco. He seeks to justify this with the statement, quoted on your website "E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and I want to minimise the risk of a new generation becoming addicted to this drug."
"Beer wine and spirits contain alcohol, which is highly addictive, and I want to minimise the risk of a new generation becoming addicted to this drug." Is he going to prevent these beverages being consumed in public places such as pubs and restaurants.
The fact of the matter is that e-cigs provide nicotine to the user in self controlled doses: they have no physical effect on surrounding people and have been responsible for thousands of people reducing their use of, the much more harmful, cigarettes.
The main opponents of their use are the tobacco companies and those other companies who provide nicotine substitutes. If Mark wishes to reduce access to nicotine then why is he not proposing a ban on the use of patches?
This initiative puts mark in the strange position, for a health minister, of siding with the tobacco companies and supporting the continuing use of cigarettes. He really hasn't thought this through has he?
Glyn Erasmus makes some good points. In reality E-cigarettes have no discernable health risks and have proved to be an effective means of quitting or drastically reducing smoking. There is absolutely no evidence that anyone starts using E-cigarettes and then moves on to smoking.
Evidence is shaky. There is no definite evidence on either side but at the moment, most seem to be slanting towards negative effects.
However, smoke in general (wood, tobacco, whatever) is bad for the lungs. So cutting down on smoke in the atmosphere is always good.
Dean, E-cigarettes produce no smoke of any kind.
A chemical vapour then if you’re being pedantic. Still unhealthy for your lungs and smells horrible.
I would be interested to know what research your claim, “unhealthy for
your lungs” is based on Dean. I take an interest in all sorts of
environmental matters and have found nothing that indicates that vapour
from E-cigarettes is harmful .
Everything from unregulated, dangerous refills to poisoning vapour containing metals.
http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2013/03/05/tobaccocontrol-2012-050859.abstract
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/24/business/selling-a-poison-by-the-barrel-liquid-nicotine-for-e-cigarettes.html?_r=0
http://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/investigations/are-e-cigarettes-safe-to-use-new-research-shows-metals-found-in-vapor-of-electronic-cigarettes
Is that enough for you? The levels of toxic chemicals in E-cigarette vapour is lower than normal tobacco but many of the harmful chemicals are still present.
Thanks for the information Dean, I am afraid that it confirms that use
of E-cigarettes is harmless. I do accept that there may be a problem
with the liquid in bottled form that some devices use as a refill and
there should be control measures. A case is cited of suicide by
injecting the nicotine solution, but injecting air into the bloodstream
would kill just as efficiently.
Interesting that you think Carbonyls, volatile organic compounds, Nitrosamines and Heavy metal particles are harmless!
(all of which are present)
I did not say they were harmless but the quantities are so minute, from
the information you supplied, I would have no qualms about these
devices.
I am heavily influenced by my engineering background
and routinely worked, or sent others to work, in environments where
there are risks. This requires an understanding of exposure limits. The
presence of minute quantities of harmful substances does not convince me
that E-cigarettes are leathal. I spent half an hour in slow traffic on
the M4 and A470 today. I would estimate that I breathed in far more
toxins in that time than I will ever breath in from E-cigarettes.
If
you want to ban smoking and vaping Dean that is fine and I respect that
position. Dressing it up with a dubious bit of pseudo science does not
impress.
I would much rather colle the tax receipt from the companies that make them. However, in certain places (schools, hospitals etc.,.) a ban seems reasonable.