The Australian government is implementing a law that bans the sale of electronic cigarettes outside of pharmacies starting in the coming weeks. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of the Turkey Anti-Smoking Association, which has been actively combating smoking issues in the country for years, commented on this decision.

Australia has drawn global attention as the first country to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes outside of pharmacies. According to the new regulation planned by the Australian government, electronic cigarettes will only be sold through pharmacies, and individuals under 18 will only be able to obtain them with a doctor’s prescription.

In his comments, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın emphasized that this decision by Australia is an important step for public health. He stated, “Australia’s decision is a significant step taken to protect public health. The uncontrolled sale of electronic cigarettes is leading to their widespread use, especially among young people, and an increase in tobacco addiction. The Australian government’s decision to restrict access by banning the sale of electronic cigarettes outside of pharmacies is a strategic move to address this issue.”

“Uncontrolled sale of e-cigarettes must be prevented”

Prof. Dr. Aydın noted that selling electronic cigarettes only in pharmacies will ensure a more controlled availability of these products, and he regarded the requirement for individuals under 18 to obtain them only with a doctor’s prescription as an important measure to protect young people from these harmful substances. He added, “We hope that Australia’s exemplary decision will inspire other countries and create global awareness to prevent the uncontrolled sale of electronic cigarettes. As TSSD, we recommend that similar measures be taken in Turkey and that the sale of electronic cigarettes be strictly monitored. The cooperation of governments and health authorities in this regard will make a significant difference in the fight against tobacco products.”

“Protecting the health of the younger generation is the greatest investment in the future”

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın pointed out that this decision by Australia is especially important for the health of young people, stating, “The greatest investment a country can make for the future is to protect the health of its youth.” He highlighted the negative health effects of electronic cigarettes, similar to regular cigarettes, noting that “The likelihood of heart failure among individuals who use e-cigarettes as an alternative to quitting smoking is approximately 20% higher compared to those who do not use e-cigarettes. It is also an undeniable fact that they can lead to many health issues, including DNA damage and various respiratory diseases. For this reason, we will continue our efforts to implement similar regulations in Turkey. We will fight until the last molecule of tobacco disappears.”