✓ verbatim from the press
Electronic cigarettes disguised in hoodies — "vaporizer hoodies" — and other camouflaged devices are circumventing Anvisa's ban in effect since 2009, warned Cancer Foundation executive director Luiz Augusto Maltoni on Sunday (31st). Between January and February 2026, Federal Revenue seized 238,801 electronic cigarette units in the country, equivalent to more than 4,000 devices per day. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Chamam a atenção, entre outros formatos, os vaporizer hoodies, moletons com vaporizadores integrados ao tecido. O bocal do dispositivo fica escondido na ponta do cordão do capuz, permitindo que o usuário inale nicotina de forma totalmente discreta."
"Números recentes da Receita Federal reforçam a necessidade de se combater esses produtos: entre janeiro e fevereiro de 2026, foram apreendidas 238.801 unidades de cigarros eletrônicos no país, o equivalente a mais de 4 mil dispositivos por dia, em média."
The new devices incorporate "technology and interactivity, with touch-sensitive screens, plus games, music and messaging systems," according to the Cancer Foundation. In "vaporizer hoodies," the mouthpiece is hidden in the tip of the hood cord, allowing users to inhale nicotine discreetly in places like subway and schools. "In a totally articulated way, and very poorly articulated from an ethical standpoint, they even create jackets with hidden mouthpieces for people to smoke," Maltoni criticized. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"De acordo com a Fundação do Câncer, os novos dispositivos incorporam tecnologia e interatividade, com tela sensível ao toque, além de jogos, música e sistema de troca de mensagens."
"De uma maneira totalmente articulada, e muito mal articulada do ponto de vista da ética, criam até casaco com bocal escondido para a pessoa fumar", critica Maltoni."
Data from the 2024 National School Health Survey (PeNSE) show that electronic cigarette experimentation among students aged 13 to 17 jumped from 16.8% in 2019 to 29.6% in 2024. "Nicotine exposure in adolescence can affect brain development, especially areas related to attention, learning, mood and impulse control," said Cancer Foundation consultant Milena Maciel de Carvalho. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE) 2024 revelam que a experimentação de cigarros eletrônicos entre estudantes de 13 a 17 anos evoluiu de 16,8% em 2019 para 29,6% em 2024."
"A exposição à nicotina na adolescência pode afetar o desenvolvimento do cérebro, especialmente áreas relacionadas à atenção, aprendizagem, humor e controle de impulsos, além de aumentar a vulnerabilidade à dependência de nicotina ao longo da vida", diz."
The Cancer Foundation launched the "Spoiler: he doesn't love you" campaign on this World No Tobacco Day, targeting young people. The alert aligns with the World Health Organization's 2026 campaign theme: "Unmasking the appeal, combating nicotine and tobacco dependence." ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Neste Dia Mundial sem Tabaco, a Fundação do Câncer resolveu fortalecer o seu Movimento Vape Off e ampliar sua atuação lançando a campanha "Spoiler: ele não te ama"."
"O alerta da instituição vai ao encontro do tema da campanha da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para o Dia Mundial sem Tabaco, lembrado neste domingo (31): "Desmascarando o apelo, combatendo a dependência de nicotina e tabaco"."
Electronic cigarette experimentation among 13-17 year old students increased from 16.8% (2019) to 29.6% (2024) according to PeNSE
Federal Revenue seized 238,801 electronic cigarette units between January and February 2026
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (1)
New devices incorporate interactive technology with touch screens, games and messaging
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What specific measures does Anvisa plan to adopt to curb camouflaged devices?
Why it's still unknown: The agency has not published new ordinances or resolutions on camouflaged vapes between 2024-2026, according to searches on Anvisa's portal and the DOU.
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Is there epidemiological evidence proving causal link between camouflaged vapes and increased cancer cases in Brazil?
Why it's still unknown: Sources mention 'prospect of increasing cancer cases' but present no incidence data establishing causality.
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What is the specific legal basis that would allow Anvisa to regulate devices that didn't exist when the 2009 ban was created?
Why it's still unknown: The 2009 normative act was not located nor legal analysis on the adequacy of the legal basis for new device formats.