At the end of January 2021, new rules for selling tobacco heating systems, in particular, IQOS, will come into force in Russia. In an interview with the radio Sputnik , a member of the coordinating council on tobacco control at Ministry of Health Viktor Zykov .
The expert recalled that heated tobacco products and heating systems themselves were included in the existing anti-tobacco law in July. From January 28, 2021, their advertising will be prohibited, as well as the display of tobacco sticks. At the same time, the layout of tobacco heating systems will not be prohibited, which Zykov called a “big minus”. “This is work to be done,” he said.
Viktor Zykov explained that manufacturers promote tobacco use precisely with the help of such devices. In particular, young people are attracted by the beautiful presentation and spectacular design of the devices. “A device has been invented that is interesting for teenagers, because it corresponds to their picture of the world today: it is a gadget that is charged, maintained,” he said.
However, Zykov emphasized, tobacco in any form is harmful, no matter how it is used. Referring to the researchers, he pointed out that often adolescents make a choice in favor of tobacco heating systems because of flavors and their combinations, sometimes without realizing their harm. A survey in the United States found that, due to the sweet and varied tastes, many of the young consumers were not even aware of the presence of tobacco in electronic nicotine delivery systems, the expert concluded.
Earlier it was reported that in 2021 new bans will come into force and restrictions for smokers. So, from January 1, smoking will be banned at health care and education facilities, transport, trade, in warehouses and bases, in grain receiving points, grasslands, hayfields, places of extraction, processing and storage of flammable and combustible liquids and gases, as well as on facilities for the production of various types of explosives, explosive and fire hazardous areas.