Sofia Ravara, from the Working Commission on Tobacco of the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology (SPP) spoke to Lusa about the actions needed to control the tobacco epidemic in Portugal, including greater surveillance of the tobacco industry.

According to the pulmonologist, the marketing of the new products "is very misleading and extremely aggressive and effective, because it is very appealing to young people and children".

“Liquid packaging and e-cigarette flavours look almost like candy wrappers. The colours themselves, the flavours of chocolate but also mint and strawberry are highly appealing to young people,” she said.

The SPP warns that "there are influencers or bloggers who are paid to advertise electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco"

Furthermore, the permission to smoke in clubs and nightclubs, places where teenagers and young adults socialize, doubles the probability of a young person becoming a regular smoker.