Public Health: Nicotine, Vaping and Taxes

Nicotine liquids and gel, used in e-cigarettes and vape devices, have been exempted from poison control, following a gazetted order signed by the Minister of Health. This was done to pave the way for excise taxes to be imposed on the nicotine formulations, but it also effectively makes it possible for e-cigarettes and vape products to be bought and sold over-the-counter with no restrictions. We discuss the public health implications of this move, and what other strategies are urgently needed to bring vaping in line with the rest of the country’s anti-smoking efforts.

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