Abstract
Brazil was one of the first countries in the world to ban Electronic Smoking Devices (ESDs). This ban was motivated by the lack of evidence regarding the alleged therapeutic properties and harmlessness of these products. Anvisa was criticized for this move, especially by electronic cigarette's users groups. These groups argue that prohibition prevented people's access to a product that would aid smoking cessation and be less toxic than ordinary cigarettes. Thus, the question arises as to whether this decision was successful. Available data show that ESDs have diverse formulations and some toxic substances are released at significant levels during use. Studies in animals and humans have shown a potential toxic effect, also affecting the health of passive smokers. Studies are still inconclusive regarding its use as a cessation tool. A high level of use among adolescents was observed in countries whose use was authorized. Thus, Brazil's ban prevented the population from consuming a product that has not been proven effective toward smoking cessation, with indications of significant toxicity and highly attractive to young people.
Highlights
MethodsThe National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) was established by Law 9782/19991, and regulation, control and oversight of control products and services that pose a risk to public health (Art. 2, subsection III and Article 7 subsection XV) are among its various attributions (Art. 8)
Brazil was one of the first countries in the world to ban Electronic Smoking Devices (ESDs)[3], popularly known as electronic cigarettes
Studies on the use of ESDs in Brazil[72,73,74] have shown that the prevalence of use of these products was the lowest among countries participating in the International Tobacco Control Survey (ITC), but their use in life was not so different when compared to these other countries
Summary
MethodsThe National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) was established by Law 9782/19991, and regulation, control and oversight of control products and services that pose a risk to public health (Art. 2, subsection III and Article 7 subsection XV) are among its various attributions (Art. 8). The emergence of so-called electronic cigarettes and reports of use of these products in Brazil[2] led Anvisa to issue in 2009 Resolution RDC 46/20093 prohibiting the sale and advertising of any Electronic Smoking Device (ESD) with or without nicotine throughout national territory until scientific studies and toxicological and clinical evaluations are performed, aiming at identifying its risks and alleged effectiveness in smoking cessation.
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