The Chamber of Deputies in Santa Fe, Argentina, has given initial approval ("media sanción") to a bill that aims to expand the province's existing anti-tobacco law to include electronic cigarettes, vaping, and heated tobacco products. The initiative seeks to strengthen prevention policies in response to the growing use of these devices, especially among adolescents.
The bill's author, Deputy Sonia Martorano, explained the urgency: "We were worried that vapes are very much in vogue among adolescents and minors. They are colorful devices, with fruity aromas and designs that make them attractive." She stressed that "both e-cigarettes and vapes are toxic, not harmless," even when they do not contain nicotine. The proposal formally adds the phrase "and vape" to the original 2005 law and extends restrictions to all electronic devices that produce aerosols.
Martorano detailed health risks, noting that the heat and humidity can cause chronic respiratory irritation and that users may inhale heavy metals like lead, nickel, and cadmium. She warned of "absolute misinformation" surrounding the devices and called for education campaigns in schools and homes to clarify that vaping is toxic.
