As far as public health and safety are concerned, the government has to proactively consider everything that can negatively impact individuals or the entire population, which includes foreign nationals residing or visiting in the country.
At the start of the year, the government was able to introduce a new air purification system which will help decrease 80% of breathable suspended pollutants in the air which can also immensely cut down the carbon dioxide emission within the city by 11,000 tonnes on a yearly basis.
Sale of e-Cigarettes to be Banned by Government
According to a report by news.gov.hk., the Government will soon propose legislative changes to prohibit the import and sale of electronic cigarettes at the interest of public health.
As per Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan, the Government has exerted great efforts in tobacco control and welcomed new measures such as the designation and continuous expansion of no-smoking areas and periodic increases in tobacco taxes.
The smoking prevalence of among people aged 15 and above has notably dipped from more than 20% in the 1980s down to 10% at present.
The Government aims to further improve this number to 7.8% by 2025.
According to Prof Chan, the emergence of new smoking products such e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco products in recent years has created new health risks and challenges that affect not only one’s health but also the environment.
She further explained that these new products are all harmful to health and create second-hand smoke, noting that there is a lack of evidence to prove these can help individuals quit smoking.
With the focus being on the protection of public health, the Government will propose legislative amendments to prohibit the import, sale, distribution, as well as advertisement of e-cigarettes along with other new smoking products.
This will ensure achievements in tobacco control through the years will not be undermined, and manage the harm brought about by the new tobacco products from taking root in society.