香港の盧寵茂衛生局長は土曜日、次段階の禁煙対策としてフレーバー付きタバコ製品を標的にすると発表した。同局長は、若者を依存させるために設計されたフレーバー付き電子タバコを「毒杯」と表現し、強く警戒感を示した。
香港当局は、次段階の禁煙強化策において、フレーバー付きタバコ製品を取り締まる方針を固めた。盧寵茂衛生局長は土曜日、これらの製品の多くは電子タバコを通じて摂取され、メントールや糖衣といった添加物により苦みを隠し、若年層を誘惑していると警告した。
盧局長はラジオ番組で「若者が最初にニコチンを摂取するきっかけの約70%はフレーバー付きタバコであり、これが喫煙依存症を招きやすくしている」と述べた。政府はすでに10項目の短期的なタバコ規制策を導入している。
盧局長は、次なるステップとしてフレーバー物質の規制に乗り出す意向を示した。また、現在のタバコのパッケージはカラフルでおもちゃのように見えるため、将来的には全製品でパッケージを標準化する方針も付け加えた。
香港では4月30日より代替喫煙製品の禁止範囲が拡大され、公共の場での電子タバコの所持や使用が違法化されている。
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Hong Kong authorities have ramped up publicity with mainland Chinese media ahead of a ban on possessing alternative smoking products, including e-cigarettes, in public places starting April 30. Director of Health Ronald Lam Man-kin reported over 11,000 inspections and about 2,200 fixed penalty notices of HK$3,000 this year. Officials anticipate minimal impact on tourists during the Labour Day golden week.
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A revised ordinance will ban consumer products containing cannabis-derived CBN starting in June. Only patients with specific conditions, such as intractable diseases without alternative treatments, will be allowed to use them.
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Researchers have found that nicotine e-cigarettes help more smokers quit than traditional nicotine replacement therapies like patches and gum. A review of 14 systematic studies from 2014 to 2023 shows consistent high-quality evidence favoring nicotine vapes. The findings highlight gaps in research on long-term risks and comparisons to other treatments.