Abstract
This study examined to what extent e-cigarette users noticed the European Union’s new legislation regarding e-cigarettes, and whether this may have influenced perceptions regarding addictiveness and toxicity. Data were obtained from yearly surveys (2015–2017) of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Netherlands Survey. Descriptive statistics and Generalized Estimating Equations were applied. About a third of the e-cigarette users noticed the text warning (28%) and the leaflet (32%). When compared to tobacco-only smokers, e-cigarette users showed greater increases in perceptions regarding addictiveness (β = 0.457, p = 0.045 vs. β = 0.135, p < 0.001) and toxicity (β = 0.246, p = 0.055 vs. β = 0.071, p = 0.010). In conclusion, the new legislation’s noticeability should be increased.
Highlights
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are increasingly used in the Netherlands, with a prevalence of3.5% in 2016 [1], while smoking prevalence was 22% in 2018 [2], with around 16% of Dutch smokers regularly using e-cigarettes [3]
Longitudinal data were used from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Netherlands Survey
E-cigarette users showed a greater increase in scores on the perception regarding the addictiveness of e-cigarettes (β = 0.457, p = 0.045) than tobacco-only smokers (β = 0.135, p < 0.001)
Summary
3.5% in 2016 [1], while smoking prevalence was 22% in 2018 [2], with around 16% of Dutch smokers regularly using e-cigarettes (dual-users) [3]. As of May 2016, in the European Union (EU), the new Tobacco Products Directive required that both the unit and outside packet of e-cigarette products with nicotine must include a text warning on at least 30% of the two largest surfaces, stating that nicotine is addictive (Figure 1). All e-cigarette packets have to include a leaflet with information about, amongst other things, the addictiveness and toxicity of e-cigarettes (Figures 2 and 3). This new legislation had to be fully implemented as of May 2017 [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
