Argentine medical associations have warned that legalizing e-cigarettes would endanger the health of young people

Scientific societies and national organizations have warned of the dangers Possibility of legalizing electronic cigaretteshas been incorrectly presented as a “less harmful” alternative. Moreover, they pointed out that allowing it to be marketed would represent a major health setback It will especially affect children and teenagersby facilitating new forms of nicotine addiction.

Based on a recent report entitled Emerging products and harm to health: situation in Argentina and recommendations (2025)prepared by multiple medical associations, highlights this There is no independent scientific evidence Which supports that e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products are safe. On the contrary, it warns that their use is associated with serious cardiovascular disease, strokes and metabolic disorders, risks similar to those found in traditional cigarettes.

In parallel, this year’s review was published inTobacco controlIt has been identified Links between vaping and various health problemsIncluding pneumonia, bronchitis, headache, mouth damage, and low sperm count, which indicates its negative effects on the body. In addition, it is added that the combined use of e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco (dual use) significantly increases the risk of harm.

Organizations such as the Argentine Association of Respiratory Medicine (AAMR), the Society of Pathology and Pulmonology of the Province of Buenos Aires (STNBA), the Argentine Society of Tobacco Science (ASAT), the Argentine Society of Pediatrics (SAP), the Argentine Federation of Tobacco Control (UATA), the Inter-American Heart Foundation (FIC Argentina), the Foundation for the Development of Sustainable Policies (Fundeps) and the Foundation of the Argentine Association of Addiction Specialists (AEA).

Scientific evidence suggests that e-cigarettes act as a gateway to tobacco consumption, which is of particular concern to teens, many of whom begin smoking after using these devices, increasing their risk of developing other addictions.

At the same time, statistics in Argentina reflect an alarming reality: according to a study by FIC Argentina (2023), 8.9% of adolescents Between 13 and 18 years old are currently consuming E-cigarettes, a number that exceeds the number recorded in 2018, and in the city of Buenos Aires, 38.7% of young people have tried at least some tobacco or nicotine products. For its part, the Global Survey on Tobacco Use among Youth (2018) indicated this 7.1% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 15 use it E-cigarettes, which reinforces the growing trend in consumption among minors.

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From the point of view of the signatories, “legalizing electronic cigarettes opens a direct door to a new generation of consumers. The tobacco industry seeks to regain the market among young people through attractive products, with sweet flavors and a large presence on social media networks.”

Existing legal framework and call for strengthening controls

Argentina has an existing legal framework prohibiting the marketing, importation, distribution and advertising of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. This ban has been proven before ANMAT Ruling No. 3226/2011 and Resolution No. 565/2023 Issued by the Ministry of Health, which was adopted in accordance with the precautionary principle to protect public health in the face of clear scientific evidence about the risks it represents.

Likewise, scientific societies and national organizations urge national and regional authorities to maintain and strengthen this system Tobacco and nicotine control policies. Rather, they are calling for intensified inspection to prevent illegal sales and hidden advertisements. They stressed in a statement that “talking about harm reduction is important The rhetorical strategy of the tobacco industry. True harm reduction must be guided by public policies based on scientific evidence and concern for health, not commercial interests.

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