According to RIVM, the reduction of the many hundreds of flavorings for electronic cigarettes to just 23 does not go far enough. Further research shows that 7 of those 23 flavors can harm health and should therefore be banned.
Two of those seven substances can be carcinogenic. And people can get an allergic reaction because of another substance, says the institute. It is not clear whether health damage could occur in the other sixteen.
A spokesperson for the institute says that those other flavors may also have to be banned, because it is not certain whether they are harmful. “But another option is to allow them so that this product remains available to help smokers quit.”
The government previously adopted the RIVM advice to curb electronic cigarettes. For the time being, the intention is that only 23 flavors that taste like tobacco will be allowed in the future. Sweet flavors and menthol will be banned from July 1 to prevent e-cigarettes from becoming too attractive.
Esigbond, the trade association for retailers that sell e-cigarettes, says users will trade in their e-cigarettes for cigarettes if flavors are banned. The union also warns against illegal trade.
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