The Department of Health and Social Care has taken the decision to ban the use of electronic cigarettes within all of its buildings.
The policy comes in to force with immediate effect and follows the publication of a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) earlier this summer. The report, which examined the impact of electronic nicotine delivery systems or ‘electronic cigarettes’, raised a number of concerns:
- Existing evidence shows that electronic cigarettes do not merely produce ‘water vapour’.
- Electronic cigarettes have been shown to increase the exposure to nicotine and a number of toxicants of non-smokers and bystanders.
- Whilst in most cases, the level of risk is likely to be lower than conventional cigarettes, some brands have shown higher levels of cancer causing agents and toxicants. Therefore, until electronic cigarettes are properly regulated, they remain an unknown factor as far as risk is concerned.
- Given the relatively recent introduction of electronic cigarettes, there is also no conclusive evidence about the health effects of long-term use.
- There are fears electronic cigarettes may act as a gateway for young people to smoking tobacco, and that the flavours and marketing strategies used attract young people.
- Electronic cigarettes may also reinforce the normalcy and glamour of smoking, and perpetuate the idea that smoking is acceptable in public areas.
Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle MHK, said:
'As a Department we have a duty to protect the health and wellbeing of not only our patients and service users but also our employees and members of the public visiting our premises. The ban on the use of electronic cigarettes within DHSC buildings is based on a recommendation from the Department’s Public Health Directorate following a review of the findings and concerns raised by the WHO within their recent report.
'The danger that electronic cigarettes could pose to public health remains largely unknown at this stage, but initial findings are concerning. Until these products are properly regulated – something the Department will have to investigate in line with other jurisdictions – and more information is known about their safety, we have taken the decision that they are not to be used inside any DHSC building by visitors, service users or staff.'
Anyone who would like more information on the support available to give up smoking should contact the Quit4You service by telephoning +44 1624 642404 or emailing tobacco@gov.im. More information is available online at www.quit4you.gov.im.
