The European Union Subcommittee on Public Health (SANT) recognizes the potential role of e-cigarettes in supporting smoking cessation. The parliamentary report on non communicable diseases acknowledges that e-cigarettes are a way for smokers to gradually quit smoking combustible cigarettes. However, SANT's proposal to ban the use of e-cigarettes in certain public places has sparked debate and concern.

Michael Randall, director of the World Federation of Electronic Smokers, stated that parliament recognizes that electronic cigarettes can help smokers quit smoking, which is a step in the right direction.


He said, "The success of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid is well documented, and it is crucial for the EU to fully adopt this tool in its strategy to reduce smoking related diseases." "e-cigarettes not only provide smokers with a way out, but also help achieve public health goals

Randall stated that despite this understanding, the proposal in the report to extend the ban to e-cigarettes is considered problematic.

Treating e-cigarettes like smoking in public places sends the wrong message to smokers who want to quit. There is no evidence that second-hand e-cigarettes can cause harm, "Randall said. The subcommittee must reconsider the broader impact, including the risk of relapse among smokers. A more comprehensive regulatory approach based on common sense must be adopted to ensure that e-cigarettes remain a viable option for those committed to quitting smoking