NIJZ supports the measures in the proposed amendments to the Restriction on the Use of Tobacco Products and Related Products Act (ZOUTPI)

The tobacco and nicotine products regulated by the proposed amendments are harmful to health. The latest available data show that the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and diabetes from long-term use of electronic cigarettes is similar or close to that of smoking traditional cigarettes. Additionally, electronic cigarettes can have serious consequences even with short-term use, such as seizures, acute chemical lung injuries, various forms of pneumonia, worsening of asthma, nicotine poisoning, injuries, and burns. There is no evidence that heated tobacco products are less harmful than smoking.

The products are designed to be most appealing to children, adolescents, and young adults, with flavours playing a crucial role. Flavours are a key factor in the uptake and use of these products. They also reduce the unpleasant effects of nicotine when inhaling aerosol, thus increasing the appeal of the products, especially refreshing flavourings like menthol. Flavoured products are mistakenly perceived as less harmful to health, but there is no evidence that these flavours are safe for inhalation. Many flavours have been shown to cause severe lung diseases, occupational asthma, and other harmful respiratory effects. They can trigger allergic reactions and have detrimental effects on human cells. These everyday flavours include butter, cinnamon, menthol, strawberry, vanilla, and others.

The nicotine in these products is highly addictive, leading to repeated use. As a result, addicted individuals become regular users and consistent buyers of these products.

Young people in Slovenia are more likely to use these products than adults, and their use is increasing faster than among adults. For instance, the percentage of electronic cigarette users starts before the age of 11, with 2% of 11-year-olds, 6% of 13-year-olds, and about one-fifth of 15 to 17-year-olds using them. Similar percentages are seen among young adults, whereas in the general population, the usage is 7%. These are data from 2022, and the percentages of users are likely higher now. These figures are very concerning because children, adolescents, and young adults are more susceptible to developing nicotine addiction than adults. The younger an individual is when they start using a nicotine product, the faster and more strongly they will become addicted. Nicotine also interferes with the intensive brain development that occurs until the age of 25, potentially leading to permanent harmful effects on cognitive abilities, increased anxiety, impulsivity, and other issues. It also raises the risk of using other psychoactive substances. Additionally, the use of electronic cigarettes among adolescents increases the likelihood of starting to smoke cigarettes or becoming regular cigarette smokers by 3 to 4 times.

Nicotine pouches, which can contain very high levels of nicotine, are not yet regulated and can therefore be sold to minors.

Protecting the health of children and adolescents, as well as ensuring a healthy living environment, is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia and must take precedence over the right to free economic initiative and profits generated from products harmful to health, especially those used primarily by children and adolescents. The Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia clearly states that economic activities may not be carried out contrary to the public interest.