Why do governments ban vaping and not smoking?

Governments may ban or regulate vaping for various reasons, even though smoking is generally considered more harmful. Some of these reasons include:

1. Protecting young people: Vaping has become increasingly popular among young people, and there is concern that it may lead to nicotine addiction and potentially serve as a gateway to smoking traditional cigarettes. By banning or regulating vaping, governments aim to reduce youth exposure to nicotine and protect their health.
2. Lack of long-term data: Vaping is a relatively new phenomenon, and there is limited long-term data available on the potential health effects. Governments may choose to take a cautious approach by banning or regulating vaping until more definitive research is available.
3. Marketing and product concerns: Some governments are concerned about the marketing of vaping products, particularly the use of flavors that may appeal to young people. Additionally, there have been cases of e-cigarette batteries exploding, causing injuries. Banning or regulating vaping can be seen as a way to address these product safety and marketing concerns.
4. Public health precaution: While vaping may be less harmful than smoking, it is not without risks. Some governments may choose to ban or regulate vaping as a precautionary measure to protect public health, even if it is not as harmful as smoking.
5. Protecting tobacco tax revenue: Some governments may be reluctant to fully ban smoking due to the significant tax revenue generated by the tobacco industry. By banning or regulating vaping, which is seen as a competitor to traditional cigarettes, governments may be trying to protect their tobacco tax revenue.

It is important to note that policies regarding vaping and smoking vary widely among countries, and the reasons for these policies may differ based on local circumstances, cultural factors, and public health priorities.