To dispel smoke: will vape sales be banned in Russia?
The State Duma may consider a bill banning the retail sale of vape devices and liquids as early as March. According to deputies and experts, this will primarily help protect teenagers. "Izvestia" found out why the devices are especially dangerous for them and what misconceptions are common among smokers.
Ban on sale
The State Duma may already in March consider a bill to ban the retail sale of vape devices and liquids in Russia. About it reports TASS with reference to the draft decision of the specialized committee of the State Duma on health protection.
"To propose to the Council of the State Duma to include the above draft federal law in the approximate program of legislative work during the spring session of 2025 (March)," the document says.
The bill was introduced by representatives of the CPRF faction. In December, Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin sent the document to the specialized committee on health protection.
According to the bill, it is proposed to ban wholesale and retail trade in "nicotine (including those obtained by synthesis) or its derivatives, including nicotine salts, as well as nicotine-containing and nicotine-free liquids and devices for their consumption". According to the authors, vapes cause the development of addiction, serious respiratory diseases, the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer increases.
"In addition, young people - users of vape devices are further inclined to switch to the traditional version of tobacco smoking with all its negative health consequences. Establishing a complete ban on the sale of such products in the current circumstances is seen as a necessary measure to improve public health. Such practice exists in many developed countries of the world," the explanatory note says.
Why vapes are harmful
Over the past few years, vapes have become a popular alternative to conventional smoking - especially among young people. According to the Ministry of Health, 90% of users are teenagers. Most consumers are convinced that vaping is less harmful, but medical research suggests otherwise, says Dmitry Bulanov, Director of the Department of Pathomorphology and Clinical Cytology at LabQuest, Ph.D., in a conversation with Izvestia.
- The main components of vape liquid are propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings and in most cases nicotine. When heated, they turn into an aerosol, which a person inhales. And during vaporization, toxic compounds such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein, known for their carcinogenic and irritating properties, are formed. In some devices when heated, traces of heavy metals (lead, nickel and chromium) have been detected, which can settle in the lungs and cause chronic inflammatory processes," says Bulanov.
Most of the research related to vape smoking concerns its impact on the respiratory system. Unlike conventional cigarette smoke, which contains large particles that are mostly trapped in the upper respiratory tract, vape aerosol consists of ultrafine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, down to the alveoli. This can cause damage to the alveolar epithelium and trigger a pathologic process known as pneumofibrosis.
- In this condition, normal lung tissue is replaced by connective tissue, losing the ability for effective gas exchange. This is not only an irreversible process, but also a potentially dangerous condition that can lead to respiratory failure," explains Dmitry Bulanov.
In addition, adds pulmonologist Sergei Lozhkin, a pulmonologist at the Federal Research Center of FMBA of Russia, there are known cases of vaping in the world, accompanied by fulminant (rapidly developing) pneumonia, which are often fatal.
Other risks
Another serious danger of vape smoking is related to the fact that it does not trigger the cough reflex characteristic of smokers. This means that harmful substances settle into the lungs almost unimpeded, increasing their damaging effects.
- Many users don't notice problems until serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic coughing, and chest pain appear. There is also EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) syndrome, an inflammatory lung injury associated with vaping. It was first recorded in the United States in 2019, and since then, new cases of severe lung damage in vapers requiring hospitalization and intensive care have been registered in various countries around the world," says Dmitry Bulanov.
In addition, it is known about the negative impact of vaping on the cardiovascular system. Inhaled chemicals can have a vasoconstrictive effect, raising blood pressure and increasing the load on the heart.
- Studies show that vapers have an increased risk of arrhythmias, hypertension and even heart attacks. Nicotine, present in most vape liquids, increases addiction and also provokes the release of adrenaline, which in the long term can lead to a debilitating cardiovascular system," explains MD.
Vapes are considered especially dangerous for children and adolescents. The human brain develops before the age of 25 - and nicotine exposure during this period can affect cognitive function, impairing memory, attention and decision-making. In addition, teens are more prone to forming addictions, and vape use can be the first step to switching to regular cigarettes or other psychoactive substances. The attractive flavors of the liquids and the public perception of vaping as a "trendy" activity contribute to its growing popularity among young people, despite the obvious risks.
Composition of liquids
Medical practice shows a significant increase in the number of patients with diseases associated with vaping. Doctors interviewed by Izvestia report an increase in cases of chronic bronchitis, obstructive lung diseases, pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis.
- Many patients do not immediately attribute their symptoms to vaping, believing that if the device is tobacco-free, it cannot cause harm. However, long-term observations show that even nicotine-free liquids can cause inflammatory processes and lead to structural changes in the lungs," says Dmitry Bulanov.
The expert calls the lack of regulation of the composition of vape liquids a serious problem. In many countries there are no clear control standards, and some manufacturers use harmful additives (for example, oils), which can lead to the development of lipoid pneumonia - a dangerous disease in which fat particles are deposited in the lung tissue, causing chronic inflammation.
However, Russia has taken regulation seriously - from March 1, 2024 changes to GOST R 58109-2018 came into force, prohibiting the use of certain flavorings and additives in vape liquids, as well as restricting the design of packaging. It is prohibited to use food flavorings with the taste of fruits, spices and energy drinks, as well as images of food products, berries, fruits, medicines and animated characters on the packaging. In addition, from June 1, 2024, additional restrictions on the sale of vape devices have been introduced, including a ban on their sale at fairs, exhibitions and by remote means.
At the same time, Bulanov notes, there is no decrease in interest in vape devices among Russians yet - people believe in their safety, imposed by marketers. Or they think they can use them to quit smoking - but this strategy is ineffective.
- For those who really want to get rid of nicotine addiction, rather than replace one habit with another, there are safer and proven methods, such as nicotine replacement therapy (patches, chewing gum, pills) or consultations with addiction specialists. They help to reduce dependence on nicotine without compromising health and risk of developing severe lung diseases," concludes the expert.
A ban on the sale of vape devices in Russia could be an important measure to protect public health, especially for teenagers, whose tendency to experiment with such devices increases the risk of long-term problems. At the moment, the consequences of vape use are becoming increasingly clear: it is not just a "less harmful" alternative to smoking, but a real threat to health, especially for young people whose nervous and vascular systems have not yet completed their development.
Important law
According to lawyer Sean Betrozov, the law on banning vape devices, the possible adoption of which is now being widely discussed in the country, is largely aimed precisely at protecting children and teenagers. Russia has already recorded cases of young people being hospitalized with serious problems related to vaping, including chemical burns and respiratory tract damage.
As the lawyer explains, if the draft law is adopted, it may include strict liability measures for sellers of vape devices. Significant fines could be introduced for selling them to minors, which would be an additional deterrent. Sellers who repeatedly violate the law could face not only financial penalties, but also more serious consequences, such as temporary or even permanent revocation of their vending licenses. These measures will create a system of accountability in which sellers will become more careful and attentive to the sale of goods.
At the moment, cases involving negative consequences of vape use can be dealt with in the courts if the victim decides to seek compensation. However, proving a link between a particular incident and the product is very often difficult.
- This is because the evidentiary basis in such cases can be uncertain and the damages claims can vary. Laws aimed at restricting vape sales will not only tighten measures, but will also make it possible to more clearly formulate rules regarding the liability of sellers and manufacturers," says the Izvestia interlocutor.
