Moldova to introduce ban on smoking and e-cigarettes in public places
Moldova to introduce a ban on smoking and e-cigarettes in public places
26.07.2024
Article published on the infotag.md website
According to Infotag, Moldova’s Minister of Health Alla Nemerenco is introducing a comprehensive ban on smoking and vaping in open places such as parks, terraces and transport stops.
Speaking on Jurnal TV on Thursday evening, the Minister explained that the enabling bill had been the subject of a national consultation and is now on the Government’s agenda. She added that the ban would be extended to all types of cigarettes as heated tobacco products are just as harmful as ordinary cigarettes.
“It is not true to say that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco are less harmful. There is a regulation in existing law that prohibits a doctor from recommending e-cigarettes, otherwise the physician can lose their licence to practice medicine. E-cigarettes produce a vapour which can transfer nicotine more easily into the bronchi which is much more harmful. Moreover, flavoured cigarettes such as lemon and mint are very attractive to customers and people may end up smoking more which is even more dangerous”, said Nemerenco.
According to the Minister, the new law will introduce a standardised no-smoking sign and ban the sale of flavoured cigarettes from 2026.
“Recent data show that the use of vapes among young people and teenagers is on the rise in Moldova. Moreover, there is also a very high mortality rate caused by passive smoking. Our task is promote proper standards of social behaviour. We will put prohibition signs everywhere”, she added.
According to 2019 data, one in every six teenagers between 13 and 15 years of age in Moldova has tried cigarettes. About 13% have used e-cigarettes with heated tobacco.
