South African Schools are bringing in sniffer dogs and respiratory health experts to crack down on vaping among teenagers as the government moves to bring the largely unregulated industry to heel. A recent study by Professor Richard van Zyl-Smit at UCT found that vaping has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional cigarettes but has also emerged as a trendy habit among younger generations. Schools are also trying to educate teens about the potential harms of using such products by bringing in experts to talk to learners. Recent studies and surveys conducted in South Africa show that vaping is being used widely by children in schools who are forming addictive patterns. New legislation to regulate the industry is currently in the pipeline, with the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill being processed.
The vaping industry has tried to distance itself from harmful tobacco and cigarettes. According to the UK’s NHS, health experts generally agree that vaping is far less harmful than smoking, but it is not risk-free. Medical guidelines are that vaping is not recommended for non-smokers and young people as it can carry risks for healthy lungs. The Department of Health has argued that the coming laws and push to clamp down on the industry are driven by the goal of protecting children from potential harm. The government is also moving to come down harder on the industry, with nicotine-substitute solutions, including vaping products, being included in the tax net with a flat excise duty rate of R2.90/ml.
The new tax has been met with widespread condemnation from the vaping industry, arguing that the tax will do more harm than good – pushing consumers to illicit markets – and jumping the gun as legislation governing vaping products in the country are yet to be promulgated. Players in the vaping space have argued that the new taxes could more than double prices in some cases, feeding consumers to the black market.
