Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the regulation of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use in various places in European countries. The study was conducted through a survey of experts from all countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region in 2018. The study collected and described data on legislation regulating e-cigarette use indoors and outdoors in public and private places, the level of difficulties in adopting the legislation, and the public support and compliance.
Key Points:
* The study found that 58.3% of the countries had legislation on e-cigarette use at the national level.
* Education facilities were the most regulated place (58.3% of countries), while private areas (eg, homes, cars) were the least regulated ones (39.6%).
* A third of countries regulated e-cigarette use indoors.
* The difficulty and support in adopting the national legislation and its compliance were all at a moderate level.
* Countries' smoking prevalence and income levels were linked to legislation adoption.
Main Message:
Although most WHO European Region countries had introduced e-cigarette use legislation at the national level, only a few of the legislation protect bystanders in indoor settings. Therefore, there is a need for more comprehensive regulations that prioritize the protection of bystanders from exposure to e-cigarette aerosols in indoor settings. Additionally, factors such as smoking prevalence and income levels should be considered when developing e-cigarette regulations to ensure their effectiveness.
Citation
Amalia B, Fu M, Feliu A, et al. Regulation of Electronic Cigarette Use in Public and Private Areas in 48 Countries Within the WHO European Region: A Survey to In-country Informants. Journal of epidemiology. 2022;32(3):131-138. doi:10.2188/jea.JE20200332
