Lisbon, May 29, 2026 (Lusa) - Portugal's Pulmonology Society called on Friday for tougher measures against e-cigarettes and insisted on the need to “unmask” the marketing strategy for these cigarettes and heated tobacco.
Daniel Coutinho, coordinator of the smoking work commission of Portugal's Pulmonology Society (SPP), told Lusa ahead of World No Tobacco Day on Sunday that it was essential to promote awareness and education campaigns targeting young people, especially to “deconstruct myths” such as the idea that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco can help when people want to quit smoking.
He said “there is consistent evidence suggesting that e-cigarettes can be carcinogenic,” explaining that they expose the body to harmful substances, such as chemicals and metals associated with cancer development, and can cause cell damage, such as inflammation and DNA changes.
The researcher also said that some animal studies had identified lesions associated with cancer development.
He also warned about the potential for acute respiratory disease in young e-cigarette users (known as 'vapers'): “Vaping is not harmless. There is no data showing any health benefits,” he said.
“Scientific evidence does not support the idea that vaping is a totally safe alternative,” he said.
He also pointed out the risk of some people using e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco at the same time, which “increases and prolongs exposure to harmful substances.”
The SPP advocates a robust package of measures “supported by evidence of effectiveness in consumption control” to counter the “marketing strategies” for these devices, such as increasing the tax burden on all tobacco and nicotine products, a complete ban on flavours, and strong regulation of social media advertising and online trade for these products.
The association also advises universal access to specialised support for anyone wanting to quit smoking, noting that smoking remains one of the main preventable causes of respiratory disease and premature death in Portugal, and that quitting smoking is the most effective intervention to reduce the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and mortality.
The SPP reinforced the message ahead of World No Tobacco Day on 31 May that “nicotine dependence is a treatable chronic disease” and that combining behavioural support with pharmacological therapy has proven more effective.
“Replacing cigarettes with electronic devices is not a recognised therapeutic strategy and can perpetuate dependence,” he warned.
SO/LYT // ADB.
Lusa
