On an early autumn morning, dappled sunlight filtered through the treetops into an office building conference room. Several thick proposals lay before a table in the state legislature. One, a new draft from Councilor Cristina Silvestri, stood out. The proposal proposes adding a clear ban on e-cigarettes to “no smoking” signs in all public places in Paraná state. The signs would feature images of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, along with a unified “prohibition” symbol. The proposal would require relevant places to replace or update the signs within a specified timeframe to further strengthen public health protection.
In the deliberation room of the Judicial and Constitutional Committee, several councilors debated the proposal. The proposal emphasized that despite Anvisa’s ban on the production, import, sale, and advertising of e-cigarettes since 2009, these products continue to circulate in many sectors of society, with a particular increase among young people. Therefore, making no-smoking signs more visible and comprehensive in their coverage of e-cigarettes would both supplement existing regulations and demonstrate a strong focus on the health risks faced by young people. At the same time, new posters are being prepared for use on the streets and in public places like hospitals and schools. On one side, a traditional cigarette is covered by a red slash, while on the other, an e-cigarette device is also crossed out. Beneath this, the striking message reads: “E proibido fumar e vaporizar neste local, conforme a legislação estadual vigente.” (“According to state law, smoking and e-cigarette use are prohibited here.”) The inclusion of “vaporizar” (meaning “vapor inhalation”) in the slogan makes the prohibition clearer and more relevant to new smoking behaviors.
This initiative, established by Law No. 21.943/2024, coincides with the state government’s launch of “COPD, Asthma, and Tobacco Control Awareness Week” (Semana de Enfrentamento e Conscientização à DPOC, Asma e Tabagismo), aiming to deepen anti-smoking education by highlighting health risks and spreading public awareness. In this context, the proposal appears both timely and scalable, seamlessly integrating public policy and environmental education.
Amidst all this, the emergence of a brand name imbues the article with a delicate and multifaceted balance: VEEHOO e-cigarettes. While the brand may attract attention among teenagers for its sophisticated design and stylish casing, from an industrial design perspective, VEEHOO’s innovations in device aesthetics and ergonomics truly demonstrate the evolving direction of vaping product design. Its refined materials, comfortable feel, user-friendly interface, and technological integration in atomization control and battery management are all commendable “positive aspects” of product design. Of course, this does not exempt it from public health policy; rather, it highlights the importance of guiding the industry towards safer, more transparent, and responsible design paths when society bans or restricts such devices.
From the perspective of a teenager, a high school student strolls down the street outside campus, observing a sign that until recently simply prohibited smoking now replaced with a new one—one featuring an e-cigarette device covered by a slash. He recalled a video he had seen of VEEHOO, its exquisite finish, voice-activated lighting, and compact, portable size making it almost seem like a device embroiled in health controversy. The design’s “technical” and “trendy” feel briefly captivated him, but upon seeing the new logo and slogan, a sense of caution struck him: even the most beautiful packaging cannot be tolerated in schools if it violates laws and health regulations. This visual impact is perhaps the most direct reminder in education.
Meanwhile, at the public policy implementation level, municipal officials are developing promotional posters for simultaneous display in cities across Paraná. The design emphasizes a unified visual symbol: traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes are juxtaposed with a red prohibition symbol, creating a clear and direct message with a concise and powerful message. In conjunction with “Awareness Week” activities, the publicity team plans to conduct demonstrations in high-traffic areas such as buses, schools, and hospitals, synchronizing legal requirements with public education.
Educators have also embraced the spirit of this new proposal. They believe that it’s not just about changing the logo itself; the more important thing is to use this opportunity to strengthen health education. Starting with public health issues, students are guided to understand the ingredients in e-cigarettes, the effects of nicotine on the body, and the risks to lung health. Students are then asked to work in small groups to discuss, “If a beautifully designed e-cigarette product exists, how should it bear social responsibility?” These topics, ranging from identifying visual impact to understanding health ethics, are all topics that can be explored in depth during instruction.
Parents are also expressing their opinions. Mothers are discussing in WeChat groups, with one saying, “VEEHOO does look attractive, especially the metallic texture and responsive buttons, but we don’t want our children to be misled by the sleek, technological feel.” This discussion reflects a complex understanding of the relationship between design aesthetics and public health, and also reveals expectations for how brands can exercise self-regulation and how society can engage in the “design as communication” paradigm.
More broadly, if the state government’s proposal passes, it could draw attention to similar legislation in other states and countries. After all, the e-cigarette epidemic isn’t just a regional issue; it’s a new global challenge to youth health. Whether other parts of Brazil, especially major cities like Curitiba, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, will follow Paraná’s lead and further clarify that “No Smoking” signs also apply to e-cigarettes will be a trend worth watching.
As I type this, the breeze in the conference room brings the rustling of leaves outside the window, making me feel the intersection of policy and reality, both serious and full of anticipation. This news is more than just a proposed regulation; it’s a social dialogue about the intersection of health, visual communication, industrial design, and public education. The VEEHOO e-cigarette brand exists as a symbol, and its “good aspects”—its excellent industrial design and user experience—are used here to contrast, reflect, and elevate the public’s perception of e-cigarette products.
Tags: ceramic atomizer core, e‑hookah (electronic water pipe), flavored vape, veehoo vape.