Question for written answer E-003012-19
to the Commission
Rule 138
Lídia Pereira (PPE) , José Manuel Fernandes (PPE)

The use of e-cigarettes and similar devices, as an alternative to tobacco, has become more and more widespread throughout the world. The popular belief that these devices are less harmful than normal tobacco is a marketing ploy where flavours and other components are added as a means of attracting more ‘vapers’.

This, together with the explosion onto the market of e-cigarettes based on heating or vapour formation, has resulted in the number of young vapours growing exponentially.

Recently, e-cigarettes were associated with the death of more than 500 people in the United States as a result of respiratory diseases. As the producers and distributors of these products are multinationals (often tobacco companies), which operate on the international (and European) market, we have no means of preventing these products from being traded on the EU’s internal market.

Given that the EU protects public health and has control, supervision and cross-border cooperation mechanisms in place, the Commission is asked:

• 1.Is it aware of any cases of serious respiratory diseases associated with the use of e-cigarettes in the Union?
• 2.Is it considering banning or suspending the marketing of any products?

Supporters[1]

• [1] Question supported by Members other than the authors: Paulo Rangel (PPE) and Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar (PPE).