Sir, – The new legislation on vaping, which bans their sale to those aged under 18, is to be welcomed (“Ban on sale of vapes and e-cigarettes to children to come into force”, News, December 21st). Further measures to be introduced in the new year are also eagerly awaited.
But damage has already been done to many children and young people who have become addicted to these products. Is there anything that could have been done to prevent this?
Article 191 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) introduces the well-known precautionary principle. This principle states that if it is possible that a given policy or action might cause harm to the public or the environment, and if there is no scientific agreement on the issue, the policy or action should not be carried out.
The policy or action may be reviewed when more scientific information becomes available.
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I would argue that vaping is an ideal example where the precautionary principle could have been applied across the EU, when vaping products were introduced to the market.
Surely vaping should have been banned under this principle until the full nature and extent of the damage it can do to the health of the citizens of Europe, especially children, became clear.
If similar products become available and are proposed for sale or distribution to the public, the precautionary principle should be applied in each case. – Yours, etc,
BOBBY CARTY,
Templeogue,
Dublin 6W.