E-cigarettes may no longer be sold to young people

Law change provides better protection against e-shishas from today
So far, children and adolescents could easily buy electronic cigarettes and e-shishas. That is no longer possible. As of April 1, corresponding amendments to the Youth Protection Act come into force, and e-cigarettes and e-shishas may no longer be sold to children and adolescents. Health experts have long warned of the dangers of electronic vaporizers.

Ban also applies to mail order
In the future, e-cigarettes and e-hookahs may no longer be given to children and adolescents. The reason for this is a change in the Youth Protection Act, which comes into force today, April 1. The ban also applies to the mail order business, and employers are now prohibited from passing on tobacco or electronic cigarettes to young people.

No sale to teenagers. Image: Gianluca Rasile - fotolia

Experts warn long before health risks
So far, the electronic cigarettes were not subject to the ban on selling to young people because they contain no tobacco. However, new studies show that e-cigarettes and shishas can pose a significant health risk, whether or not they contain nicotine. Some experts even assume that they are sometimes more problematic than normal smoking. Even with the supposedly harmless nicotine-free products, the fluids used are considered to be potentially carcinogenic and detrimental to lung function. In addition, it is emphasized time and time again with regard to young consumers that use quickly leads them to switch to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes or conventional cigarettes. According to an evaluation of the Federal Center for Health Education, every fifth 12 to 17-year-old has ever tried an e-hookah, every seventh e-cigarette. (No)