Costa Rica's new e-cigarette law takes effect: e-cigarettes are completely banned in entertainment venues and around schools

Costa Rica's new e-cigarette law takes effect: e-cigarettes are completely banned in entertainment venues and around schools

Costa Rican health authorities have implemented a strict ban on e-cigarettes under new regulations, prohibiting their use in multiple public places. The new regulations also require clear signs in areas where vaping is prohibited.

According to Tico Times, Costa Rican health authorities have implemented new regulations under Regulation No. 10066, prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in health centers, workplaces, educational institutions, shopping malls, bars, restaurants, hotels and other entertainment venues and sports facilities.

The new regulations also require clear signs in areas where vaping is prohibited.

The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) reported a sharp increase in cases of vaping-related diseases, from 13 cases in 2021 to 78 cases in 2022 and 1,456 cases in 2023. This alarming increase is not limited to teenagers, but adults are also affected.

Health Secretary Mary Munive highlighted the growing health issues associated with e-cigarettes, citing a report from the National Poison Center that in 2023 alone, the CCSS recorded 14 cases of e-cigarette-related poisoning, including nine minors, seven of whom required hospitalization.

Dr. Gabriela Rojas of the Institute of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (IAFA) revealed that students are selling e-cigarettes on campus. Despite their appeal, Rojas warned that these e-cigarettes are far from harmless and their flavorings contain harmful chemicals.

These e-cigarette devices come in a variety of sizes, making them look like school supplies, and Rojas called on schools to implement stricter entrance inspections.

On May 14, the Costa Rican Ministry of Health issued a resolution in the ban on the import, use, sale and distribution of products containing synthetic nicotine.

In mid-June, the Costa Rican Constitutional Court issued an ultimatum to the Ministry of Health, requiring it to publish Law No. 10,066 within two months, which regulates the use of electronic nicotine management systems (ENDS), similar systems without nicotine (SSSN), and the use of heated tobacco and e-cigarettes.