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Tomorrow is World No Tobacco Day and while the focus of the issue will be on quitting and getting rid of smoking, another habit – vaping – needs to be stopped today. Over time, reports have rung alarm bells on the use of e-cigarettes (EC) as they are said to contain nicotine and potentially harmful toxins such as heavy metals and other chemicals, which can be harmful to health. Seen as a weaning tool for those wanting to quit the smoking habit, there are also flavours such as fruit, mint and menthol that make youngsters addicted to them.
The Union Health Ministry has said that possession of ECs and similar devices in any form, quantity or manner in India is a violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019. Last year, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of Mumbai Police raided paan shops in the city and registered cases against 12 people. Doctors reiterate why ECs are such a big concern and why they are so harmful.
can cause serious respiratory problems
Talking about the harmful effects of vapes, Dr. Gurmeet Singh Chhabra, Director and HOD – Pulmonology, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad, says, “In September 2019, EC was completely banned in India, but they are still available at some paan shops or shops selling imported goods and reports say that EC use is on the rise among youth. Since its use is illegal, it is difficult to assess its use among patients in OPD, making it difficult to measure its use in public. Also, these EC pens look like USB flash drives, perfumes, flashlights, car keys, etc., so they cannot be easily identified by teachers and parents of students.”
He added, “Diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious respiratory illnesses, has been found in many sweet-flavored ECs. Cherry-flavored ECs have been found to contain benzaldehyde, a compound linked to respiratory irritation. There have also been reports of burns and chemical injuries associated with its use.”
increases the risk of cancer
Outlining its disadvantages, Dr Neeraj Bhatt, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, says, “Consuming e-cigarettes can cause respiratory problems such as coughing, gasping and shortness of breath. Long-term use can increase the risk of respiratory infections and complicate lung conditions. EC contains nicotine, which is a key component in increasing blood pressure and heart rate, resulting in increased cardiovascular risks such as hypertension, heart attack and stroke, especially in people with pre-existing medical conditions.”
“E-cigarettes also contain toxic chemicals, heavy metals and carcinogens that damage the respiratory system and increase the risk of cancer. Flavoured e-liquids are also dangerous as accidental ingestion can lead to nicotine poisoning,” he added.
Governance in India
According to the Union Health Ministry, possession of e-cigarettes and similar devices in any form, quantity or manner in India is a violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019.
The ban includes a ban on all types of electronic nicotine delivery systems, heat not burn products, e-hookahs and other similar devices.
World No Tobacco Day theme for 2024
The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2024 is ‘Protecting children from interference by the tobacco industry’.
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