Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Minister of Health of Uzbekistan, Asilbek Khudayev, justified the need to ban the circulation of e-cigarettes due to their growing popularity among young people and women. He made this statement on 7 January during a session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, where a relevant draft law was discussed.

According to the minister, the document was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the request of the Presidential Administration.

In recent years, e-cigarettes have become increasingly popular, although no separate scientific research has been conducted on the issue.

Khudayev emphasized that the use of e-cigarettes causes serious health damage. Among the negative consequences, he highlighted:

• Brain damage and reduced cognitive abilities.
• Lung diseases (bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia).
• Disruption of the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver, potentially leading to cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes.
• Reduced reproductive capacity, changes in DNA, and the risk of disability and death.

According to the Ministry of Health, the main consumers of e-cigarettes in the country are young people, including women.

The minister also noted that flavored vapes with appealing designs contribute to their spread among young people, while regular cigarettes are more commonly used by older individuals.

Khudayev reminded the audience of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation from 2016, calling for the regulation or ban of e-cigarettes.

Currently, 37 countries around the world, including Norway, Turkey, Singapore, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and the UK, have banned the circulation of e-cigarettes.

The draft law proposes the introduction of administrative and criminal liability for the import or sale of e-cigarettes. However, if the offender voluntarily admits their guilt, they will be released from liability.

The minister emphasized that without these measures, young people who use e-cigarettes could be three times more likely to switch to regular cigarettes as they grow older, which would increase tobacco dependence in the population.

The deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan adopted the draft law in the first reading.