32 companies will have to suspend the sale of e-cigarettes

A total of 32 companies will have to suspend the sale of electronic cigarettes across the country by determination of the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), held on Thursday (1st). Companies have up to 48 hours to comply with the measure, counting from the decision, under penalty of a daily fine of R$ 5 thousand.

The commercialization, import and dissemination of advertising of electronic devices for smoking are prohibited since 2009 by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). In July of this year, the regulatory agency had already decided to maintain the ban on electronic cigarettes in Brazil after a meeting of the collegiate board.

Several scientific studies show that the use of electronic devices for smoking can increase the risk of smoking and addiction, in addition to causing cardiovascular, pulmonary and neurological damage.

Know more: High level of toxins found in e-cigarettes

Among the establishments that should suspend the sale of electronic cigarettes are the websites OLX and Enjoei, as well as companies such as Via SA (owner of Extra, Casas Bahia and Ponto Frio), and enterprises that sell the products over the internet.

In a statement, Senacon recognizes that the supply and demand for electronic cigarettes has increased, despite being banned 13 years ago and, today, there is evidence that the use of the devices can cause harm to health. Also according to the secretary, the situation is serious due to the ease with which consumers, including young people, can purchase these products in virtual stores.

“Electronic smoking devices have been in Senacon’s sights for some time. Anvisa banned the trade [dos produtos] nationwide in 2009, but this year it reaffirmed its position with an in-depth study of the harmfulness, danger, harm these products cause to human health. For this reason, we also carried out a study here, at the secretariat, to identify the main points of sale of these illegal products”, said the national consumer secretary, Rodrigo Roca, according to Agência Brasil.

Risks of DEFs and e-cigarettes

Electronic smoking devices (DEFs) are a set of different equipment consisting of a rechargeable lithium battery and a cartridge or refill that contains liquid nicotine. This substance is heated, releasing steam. Among its synonyms are electronic cigarettes, pods, vapes, e-cigarettes, among others.

Since 2009, the year in which Anvisa published Resolution No. 46, all types of electronic devices for smoking are prohibited in Brazil. The decision is based on the absence of scientific evidence on the safety of the product.

Read more: E-cigarettes double the risk of erectile dysfunction

By inhaling the smoke, e-cigarette users absorb the vapor it contains, in addition to nicotine, water, flavorings and numerous other additives, including toxic and carcinogenic substances. These compounds can cause health problems such as:

There is also a lung disease linked to electronic cigarette use called Evali. The name is an abbreviation in English for “lung injury associated with the use of products such as e-cigarettes or vaping” and was created by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Symptoms of Evali include difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, nausea, diarrhea, cough, abdominal pain, chills, and weight loss.