“Germany, stop smoking”: That’s what a tobacco company says. It declares the cigarette business to be a discontinued model and puts new products in the shop window. But politicians are waving it off.
The tobacco industry’s demand for the state to deal with cigarette alternatives differently is hitting a brick wall. Industry representatives are in favor of allowing advertising for tobacco heaters and e-cigarettes and taxing these products, which release fewer harmful substances when consumed than tobacco cigarettes, less than is currently the case. But now the federal politicians responsible for the subject are waving their hands.
Carlos Kasper, a member of the SPD Bundestag, says he is very critical of any improvement in the status of these products. “Just like conventional cigarettes, these alternative products are addictive and harmful to health – tax breaks or exceptions to advertising bans would send out absolutely the wrong signals.” The Union faction is also shaking its head. “Inhalation products can also make people addicted for years,” says CDU politician Tino Sorge. “That’s why large-scale advertising would be the wrong approach, also with regard to protecting young people.”
The tobacco industry is undergoing a transformation. While cigarette sales are faltering, large companies such as Philip Morris are trying to do good business in the long term with tobacco heaters and e-cigarettes. The pollutant content of such smoke-free products is significantly lower than in cigarettes. However, there are still no long-term studies that allow valid conclusions to be drawn about the health risk.
Green Party MP Linda Heitmann warns that the nicotine contained in the new products is highly addictive and impairs brain development. In view of the risk of cancer, she believes that the term “harm reduction” in the products is just an advertising promise. “This also carries the great risk that people will start smoking again.” Kristine Lütke from the FDP is less negative. “We rely on responsible citizens who can weigh up the risks themselves.” Education and strengthening health literacy are particularly important.
The Intertabac trade fair begins in Dortmund on Thursday, where not only cigarettes, cigars and pipes, but also tobacco heaters and e-cigarettes are advertised.
Source: Stern
