Klaus Reinhardt, the President of the German Medical Association, is demanding stricter legislation to protect children and adolescents from the risks posed by cigarettes and vapes. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Reinhardt noted that the recent rise in young smokers is “highly concerning”. He stressed that while e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches are often marketed as harmless lifestyle products, they are, in reality, a pathway to nicotine dependence.
Reinhardt called on politicians to act decisively against these products. His specific demands include requiring neutral packaging for all tobacco and nicotine items, implementing a complete ban on flavors in e-cigarettes, prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes through vending machines and online retailers, and enforcing a comprehensive advertising ban across social media and at points of sale.
This push comes as a new study confirms that the proportion of children and teenagers aged 12 to 17 who smoke has recently seen a slight increase. According to the report, the consumption of both disposables and reusable e-cigarettes has been particularly on the rise.
