Strengthen e-cigarette warnings

SCENES OF CIGARETTE smoking shown in films or TV dramas are generally accompanied by a warning such as “Smoking is not a good example to follow” or “Smoking is bad for your health.”

However, following the invention of new types of tobacco and smoking products such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and heated tobacco devices, as well as their rising popularity among adolescents and young adults, government agencies responsible for public health should not just actively crack down on such products, but also strengthen the wording of these warnings.

Article 25 of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (菸害防制法) stipulates that “images of smoking shall not be particularly emphasized in television programs, songs and music videos, drama and theatrical performances, sports events, or other forms of performances.”

Additionally, Article 10 of the Enforcement Rules of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (菸害防制法施行細則) further stipulates that “where the scene of smoking occurs as necessary…the warning that smoking is harmful to health shall be displayed simultaneously.”

The problem is that most people’s idea about smoking being harmful to health is limited to likely causing chronic pulmonary diseases or lung cancer.

They do not realize that e-cigarettes, which their manufacturers portray as “tobacco substitutes that help you to quit smoking” and “taste cool and refreshing,” also contain nicotine and other toxic and carcinogenic substances — even illicit drugs —which are seriously harmful not only to users, but also to those who are exposed to secondhand smoke.

Therefore, if the warning displayed when scenes of vaping are shown in movies and TV dramas only says that “smoking is harmful to health,” it hardly conveys the message that e-cigarettes might be even more harmful than conventional cigarettes.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare should consider amending Article 10 of the Enforcement Rules of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act so that the warning not only says “smoking is harmful to health,” but also “electronic cigarette fumes may contain toxic and carcinogenic substances such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, ultra-fine particles and heavy metals that may cause obstructive bronchiolitis and damage your brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and other organs.”

Hopefully such wording would convey a stronger message that would more effectively protect the public’s health.