Illegal puff bars cause problems in Danish schools

Puff bars, a type of disposable e-cigarettes, are illegal in Denmark but are causing issues in primary schools nationwide, according to Politiken. A survey revealed that 80% of municipalities face challenges with puff bars in schools, affecting grades 0 to 10. No respondents denied having instances of students smoking these e-cigarettes. Consumption among 15-17-year-olds increased from 3.5% in 2021 to 14.3% in 2024. The devices are perceived as candy-like and not addictive by students. Puff bars can contain up to 1300 mg of nicotine, equivalent to 65 cigarette packs, while legal limits are 40 mg. Health Minister Sophie Løhde finds the trend alarming. Despite being illegal, approximately 99,198 puff bars have been confiscated since January last year. Danish Regions aim to raise taxes to make nicotine products and tobacco more expensive.