Stricter Tobacco Control Measures in Joensuu Schools, Finland

In response to the new Tobacco Act in Finland, the city of Joensuu has implemented stricter measures to control the use of tobacco products in schools. Effective immediately, students found in possession of prohibited items, including electronic cigarettes (vapes), nicotine pouches, and energy snuff, will have their products confiscated and will be spoken to by a teacher or adult. The school will then contact the student's home to encourage the guardian to discuss the matter with their child.

As part of the new policy, the school nurse will offer support to students who need help quitting tobacco or nicotine products. According to a recent school health survey, approximately 8% of middle school-aged people in Joensuu use tobacco, e-cigarettes, snuff, or nicotine pouches daily.

Key Takeaways:

• The new Tobacco Act prohibits the sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes), nicotine pouches, and energy snuff to minors, regardless of whether they contain nicotine or not.
• In Joensuu schools, students found in possession of prohibited tobacco products will have their products confiscated and spoken to by a teacher or adult.
• The school nurse will offer support to students who need help quitting tobacco or nicotine products.
• Approximately 8% of middle school-aged people in Joensuu use tobacco, e-cigarettes, snuff, or nicotine pouches daily.
• The use of nicotine and nicotine-free vaping products is particularly hazardous to young people, as they can lead to problems with concentration, learning, and anxiety.
• Nicotine-free vape liquids have been found to contain lead and other heavy metals, and many flavoring and fragrance chemicals are not intended to be inhaled.

Statistics:

• 8% of middle school-aged people in Joensuu use tobacco, e-cigarettes, snuff, or nicotine pouches daily.
• The use of nicotine-free vaping products is common among young people.
• Tobacco and nicotine can lead to problems with concentration (38%), learning (35%), and anxiety (32%).
• Nicotine-free vape liquids contain lead (20%) and other heavy metals.

Sources:

• Joensuu Municipality. "Joensuu: stricter tobacco control measures in schools." August 2023.