Earlier this month, the Argentinean government announced that a ban would be put into place on electronic cigarettes. The sale, importation, or even advertising of the popular new smoking substitute is now illegal in Argentina. This makes them the fourth country to outlaw the nicotine-infused vapor producing devices, following in the footsteps of Colombia, Panama, and Uruguay.

            Argentina views electronic cigarettes as an unfounded way to quit smoking. “There is no scientific evidence that validates these products as auxiliary measures to stop smoking, nor their safety,” stated Roberto Lede, an official from the state regulatory office of Argentina. The lack of proof and information on the effects of the very new products do not have health officials convinced that they are in the best interest of public safety and health in their country. Many people in Argentina and elsewhere have disagreed with this ruling. At this point, there is no indication at all that there are any adverse health effects from using electronic cigarettes. It has provided many people a cleaner substitute to smoking typical cigarettes.

            With more countries deciding to prohibit electronic cigarettes, many Americans wonder if a ban is coming in the United States sometime in the near future. The devices have been controversial since they caught on in the last 2-3 years. Their booming success has brought them to the attention of health officials and lawmakers in the U.S. as well. New York government officials have been very seriously looking into the effects of the products as of lately. However, as more research comes out about the effects of the electronic smoking alternatives, a lack of evidence against them could influence governments to reconsider their ban. Time will tell.