Urgent action needed prevent the uptake of E-cigarettes

Context: The WHO is worried about the negative effects of e-cigarettes on public health, stating that they are not effective in helping people quit smoking. They also highlight the harm they can cause to children and non-smokers.

Key Points:

• E-cigarettes have not been proven to effectively help people quit smoking on a large scale. 
• Many countries have not implemented age restrictions or regulations on the purchase of e-cigarettes. 
• Research shows that young e-cigarette users are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes in the future. 
• Children are using e-cigarettes more than adults globally, with Canada and the U.K. experiencing a significant increase in youth e-cigarette use.

Details:

• The urgency for worldwide action to regulate e-cigarettes and prevent their use, especially among young individuals, has been emphasised by the World Health Organization (WHO). 
• Despite bans in 34 countries and limited regulations in a few others, e-cigarettes have become widely available and are being aggressively marketed, with a specific focus on attracting the youth demographic. 
• India has already implemented a prohibition on the possession of e-cigarettes through the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act, 2019. 
• The WHO highlights the crucial necessity for stringent measures to safeguard citizens, particularly children and young people, from the potential health risks associated with the consumption of e-cigarettes.

Consequences of E-cigarettes:

• E-cigarettes are effectively attracting and addicting young people, putting them at risk of nicotine addiction. 
• It is crucial to implement strong measures to prevent this and safeguard vulnerable populations. 
• There are inconsistencies in regulations worldwide, enabling the aggressive promotion and availability of e-cigarettes to young individuals. 
• Although the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are not fully comprehended, they are known to produce harmful substances, including carcinogens, and pose threats to heart, lung, and brain health.

E-Cigarettes:

• E-cigarettes are devices that use heat to release a mist containing nicotine or other substances. 
• They are often referred to as “vaping”. 
• The liquid used in e-cigarettes is usually refillable and contains nicotine, flavourings, and other ingredients. 
• The CDC warns that e-cigarettes can be addictive and harmful to developing foetuses, as well as negatively impact brain development in adolescents and young adults. 
• E-cigarettes also release toxic chemicals that can cause lung and heart diseases.

Concerns regarding E-cigarettes:

• E-cigarettes containing nicotine can lead to addiction and pose health risks to young people, young adults, and pregnant women. 
• The aerosols emitted from these devices may contain harmful substances like lead, chromium, and formaldehyde. 
• The lack of knowledge and easy availability of e-cigarettes make young individuals more vulnerable to becoming addicted.

Way Ahead:

• Countries should implement strict rules to control the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes, with a focus on preventing youth access. 
• It is important to educate the public, including parents, educators, and young people, about the health risks associated with e-cigarette use. 
• Governments should include measures to prevent e-cigarette uptake as part of their broader tobacco control strategies, while also investing in research to better understand the long-term effects. 
• International collaboration and sharing of best practices and regulatory frameworks are crucial in addressing the global issue of e-cigarette use.

Conclusion:

It is important to address the issue of e-cigarettes urgently through global cooperation, strict regulations, educational programs, and research funding in order to safeguard public health, especially among young people who are more susceptible.

Source: WHO

Practice question:

Q. Which component of e-cigarettes is responsible for producing the vapor?

1. Nicotine
2. Propylene glycol
3. Flavorings
4. Battery

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