The Santa Fe Provincial Chamber of Deputies has passed a bill amending the 2005 Provincial Anti-Smoking Law (No. 12,432) to include vapes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products. Lawmaker Sonia Martorano, who authored the initiative, said the reform aims to strengthen prevention policies amid growing youth use, stressing that “even without nicotine, these devices are toxic.”
Key Points
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Legislative Progress: The bill passed the lower house and awaits Senate approval.
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Expanded Scope: Adds “and vaping” to existing articles, covering all aerosol devices.
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Health Risks: Vapes and heated tobacco release heavy metals like lead, nickel, and cadmium.
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Youth Appeal: Bright colors and fruity aromas make such devices attractive to minors.
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Public Education: Calls for stronger awareness and school-based prevention campaigns.
Provincial Law Update Aims to Strengthen Public Health Protections
November 5, 2025 — The Argentine province of Santa Fe’s Chamber of Deputies has approved, in a half-sanction vote, a bill to amend the 2005 Provincial Anti-Smoking Law (No. 12,432) to include electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products.
Addressing Rising Vaping Among Adolescents
“The growing popularity of vapes among adolescents is alarming. These devices, with their bright colors and fruity scents, make them especially appealing to minors. But both vapes and heated tobacco are toxic; they are not harmless,” said Deputy Sonia Martorano, the bill’s sponsor.
Expanded Definition to Cover All Aerosol Devices
The proposal adds the phrase “and vaping” (“y vapear”) to several articles of the existing law, extending restrictions to “all electronic aerosol devices, whether or not they contain nicotine,” and explicitly including heated tobacco sticks.
Health Concerns: Heavy Metals and Respiratory Risks
Martorano highlighted the respiratory risks associated with these products: “Due to heat and humidity, they can cause irritation and chronic injuries to the respiratory system. Users inhale heavy metals like lead, nickel, and cadmium.”
Focus on Education and Prevention
She emphasized the urgent need for education and awareness campaigns, saying, “There is widespread misinformation. We must educate at school and at home so everyone knows that vaping is toxic.”
