Tobacco products and electronic cigarettes’ legislation violations - observational study in 31 European countries, 2005–2022

Michałek, Irmina Maria; Koczkodaj, Paweł; Durzyńska, Monika; Santos, Florentino Luciano Caetano dos; Mańczuk, Marta

doi:10.1016/j.envres.2023.116429

“…The sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes) that do not comply with local legislation is an emerging issue globally (Buonocore et al, 2017;Czoli et al, 2018;Michalek et al, 2023). E-cigarettes were originally intended as an alternative to combustible cigarettes but have rapidly gained popularity in Australia among both smokers and non-smokers (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020; Morgan et al, 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Labelling and composition of contraband electronic cigarettes: Analysis of products from Australia

Jenkins,

Powrie,

Morgan

et al. 2024

Preprint

0

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Background: The sale of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is prescription only in Australia, regulated under the TGO110. Australian e-cigarette users, however, are purchasing e-cigarette products outside of the intended pathways. Methods: The labelling of e-cigarette packaging (N=388 boxes) and the chemical composition of disposable e-cigarettes and pods (N=428) were analysed for adherence to the current Australian regulations. These samples were obtained from over-the-counter retailers in NSW. Results: Following the announcement of the prescription only model for nicotine-containing e-cigarettes in Australia in mid 2021 there was a clear shift in the labelling of products. Any mention of the word ‘nicotine’ was removed from e-cigarette packaging by early 2022 and nicotine warnings were replaced with generic underage sale warnings. Despite this labelling the vast majority (98.8%) of devices analysed contained nicotine, most (89%) at high concentration (>30 mg/mL) and 4.2% contained at least one chemical prohibited by the TGO110. Conclusions: Manufacturers have removed any mention of nicotine from the original e-cigarette packaging to circumvent regulations and continue their sale. The packaging of e-cigarette products in Australia is generally not indicative of their contents, particularly nicotine, and most did not display required warnings. Ingredients with associated health risks, prohibited in legal vapes by the TGO110, were found in samples. Consequently, the risks of e-cigarette use cannot be appropriately identified from the information supplied on the packaging or device.

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Labelling and composition of contraband electronic cigarettes: Analysis of products from Australia

Jenkins,

Powrie,

Morgan

et al. 2024

International Journal of Drug Policy

0

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Labelling and composition of contraband electronic cigarettes: Analysis of products from Australia

Jenkins,

Powrie,

Morgan

et al. 2024

Preprint

0

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: The sale of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is prescription only in Australia, regulated under the TGO110. Australian e-cigarette users, however, are purchasing e-cigarette products outside of the intended pathways. Methods: The labelling of e-cigarette packaging (N=388 boxes) and the chemical composition of disposable e-cigarettes and pods (N=428) were analysed for adherence to the current Australian regulations. These samples were obtained from over-the-counter retailers in NSW. Results: Following the announcement of the prescription only model for nicotine-containing e-cigarettes in Australia in mid 2021 there was a clear shift in the labelling of products. Any mention of the word ‘nicotine’ was removed from e-cigarette packaging by early 2022 and nicotine warnings were replaced with generic underage sale warnings. Despite this labelling the vast majority (98.8%) of devices analysed contained nicotine, most (89%) at high concentration (>30 mg/mL) and 4.2% contained at least one chemical prohibited by the TGO110. Conclusions: Manufacturers have removed any mention of nicotine from the original e-cigarette packaging to circumvent regulations and continue their sale. The packaging of e-cigarette products in Australia is generally not indicative of their contents, particularly nicotine, and most did not display required warnings. Ingredients with associated health risks, prohibited in legal vapes by the TGO110, were found in samples. Consequently, the risks of e-cigarette use cannot be appropriately identified from the information supplied on the packaging or device.

show abstract

Tobacco products and electronic cigarettes’ legislation violations - observational study in 31 European countries, 2005–2022

Cited by 3 publications

References 14 publications

Labelling and composition of contraband electronic cigarettes: Analysis of products from Australia

Labelling and composition of contraband electronic cigarettes: Analysis of products from Australia

Labelling and composition of contraband electronic cigarettes: Analysis of products from Australia

Labelling and composition of contraband electronic cigarettes: Analysis of products from Australia

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