Mexico’s e-cigarette ban will put lives of smokers at risk, health experts warn

Stockholm, 9 December – Plans to ban the sale of e-cigarettes in Mexico could condemn thousands of smokers to a premature death, say leading international health experts.

The proposed legislation, which would enshrine a ban on e-cigarettes in the Mexican constitution, risks driving 1.7 million Mexican vapers back to smoking traditional – and far more dangerous – combustible cigarettes.

This decision starkly contrasts with the example set by Sweden, where only 4.5% of Swedish-born adults now smoke – well below the globally recognised benchmark of 5% for smoke-free status. Sweden’s success stems from its forward-thinking approach to tobacco harm reduction, including the promotion of safer alternatives like e-cigarettes.

Commenting on the proposed ban, Dr Delon Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden, said:

“Sweden has achieved smoke-free status thanks to its pragmatic approach to tobacco harm reduction. Key to this success has been ensuring that safer alternatives to cigarettes are both accessible and affordable for smokers seeking to make the switch. The Mexican government’s move, by contrast, risks pushing countless vapers back to combustible cigarettes, undoing progress in reducing smoking rates.”

In Sweden, alternative products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches have played a crucial role in helping smokers quit. Over the past decade, smoking rates in Sweden have plummeted by 55%, thanks to its progressive policies on alternative nicotine products. Compared to the rest of the European Union, Sweden reports:

– 44% fewer tobacco-related deaths,

– A 41% lower cancer rate, and

– 38% fewer deaths linked to cancer of any type.

Dr Human continued:

“We urge the Mexican government to reconsider these proposals and instead focus on evidence-based policies that have proven effective in countries like Sweden. We now possess tools capable of creating a healthier, smoke-free future. It is imperative that policymakers leverage these innovations, which have already helped millions of smokers quit for good.”

ENDS

About Smoke Free Sweden

Smoke Free Sweden is a campaign which encourages other countries to follow the Swedish model when it comes to Tobacco Harm Reduction. Sweden is about to become the first ‘smoke free’ European country, with a smoking rate of below 5 percent. This remarkable achievement can be attributed to Sweden’s open attitude towards alternative products.

For more information on Sweden’s successful approach to becoming a smoke free nation, please visit www.smokefreesweden.org.

Contact

Smoke Free Sweden

info@smokefreesweden.org