The audio discusses the increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes in Korea, with a focus on the types of electronic cigarettes, their impact on health, and the controversies surrounding their taxation and regulation.
The speaker expresses concern about the potential health risks associated with electronic cigarettes, noting that some studies suggest they may be more harmful than regular cigarettes. However, they acknowledge the difficulty in accurately comparing the two due to the ongoing research and the fact that the effects of nicotine, the addictive substance in both, can vary depending on individual health conditions and usage habits.
The conversation also delves into the complex issue of electronic cigarette taxation. The speaker points out that the taxes on electronic cigarettes are lower than those on regular cigarettes, which could be incentivizing their use over regular cigarettes. They argue that taxation should be fair and comparable for both types of cigarettes to discourage the use of harmful products.
The speaker emphasizes the need for clear regulations and standards for electronic cigarettes, suggesting that the term "cigarettes" should be replaced with "nicotine regulation" to better reflect the actual products being sold. They also express the importance of transparency in the manufacturing and distribution process of electronic cigarettes.
The audio concludes with a discussion on the potential gateway effect of electronic cigarettes on young people. The speaker expresses concern that the ease of access to electronic cigarettes could lead to a lifelong nicotine addiction, similar to traditional cigarettes. They call for practical measures to protect the public health and consumers' right to know.
1. Electronic cigarettes have been available in Korea for about 10 years.
2. People are increasingly preferring electronic cigarettes with less odor and no protein.
3. There is controversy about whether electronic cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes.
4. In Korea, the definition of cigarettes could be changed to nicotine regulation.
5. Electronic cigarettes have two main types: a liquid type that uses nicotine solution and a cigarette type that heats compressed tobacco leaves.
6. Liquid electronic cigarettes were introduced in China in 2003 and first sold in Korea in 2008, while cigarette-type electronic cigarettes were launched in 2017.
7. There was a tense war of nerves between information and business over the harmfulness of electronic cigarettes in 2018.
8. In 2019, the Ministry of Health and Welfare banned some liquid electronic cigarette products.
9. A study showed that liquid electronic cigarettes emit more fine dust and a greater distance than other cigarettes.
10. Cigarette sales in 2022 increased by 5.3% compared to 2019, with regular cigarette sales decreasing by 1.8% but cigarette-type electronic cigarette sales increasing by 21.3%.
11. The proportion of cigarette-type electronic cigarette sales increased rapidly from 2.2% in 2017 to 9.6% in 2018.
12. The tax on regular cigarettes is 3,323 won, while the tax on related electronic cigarettes, which are the same price as regular cigarettes, is 1,323 won.
13. Less than 5% of countries in the world tax e-cigarettes, with Korea imposing taxes 3.5 times higher than the second place.
14. As the number of users switching from regular cigarettes to electronic cigarettes is increasing, the manufacturing and distribution process should be made transparent.
15. There are growing voices demanding publicity and discussions on appropriate tax reform.
16. Two major psychological factors behind people who switch from smoking cigarettes to electronic cigarettes are the dislike of the smell and the desire to quit.
17. Liquid electronic cigarettes in various flavors are gaining popularity among teenagers.
18. Under the domestic tobacco law, cigarettes are sold at convenience stores, etc. Advertising and marketing can only be done at retail stores.
19. Liquid electronic cigarettes are classified as an industrial product and can be purchased from vending machines or unmanned stores.
20. The tobacco market is changing rapidly and user behavior is also changing.
21. It is proposed that regulatory policies for nicotine itself rather than regulating tobacco products are needed.