After observing the ill health effects caused by e-cigarettes on the health of people, government has asked all states to ban manufacture, sale and advertisement of e-cigarettes. Along with these other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) have also been asked to ban in all states of India. The same order/advisory is also issued for Union territories of India. These electronic devices carrying Nicotine, are causing very serious health problems in people.
From now no states will be allowed to sale or import of electronic cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco devices. Earlier the companies like Philip Morris International Inc were making plans to launch e-cigarettes in the country. According to reports of world health organization, there are 106 million adult smokers in India. India is just only behind from its neighbour China in terms of adult smokers. The deaths caused by tobacco use are also very high. As per government, every year more than 900,000 people are killed because of tobacco.
What are e-cigarettes and ENDS?
ENDS devices have been in trend for few years in India. These devices don’t generate smoke. They heat solution and generate aerosol. It also frequently contains flavours, usually dissolved into propylene glycolor and glycerin. The e-cigarettes are one of the most common types of ENDS. There are no tobacco leaves being burn inside the devices. It uses vaporising solution. The solution is then inhaled by the smokers. The solution mainly consists of nicotine, propylene glycol (with or without glycerol and flavouring agents).
What are the bad health effects of e-cigarettes?
These products are very harmful to human health. Its bad effects are even more on pregnant women and children. In pregnant ladies ENDS effects development of foetus during pregnancy. It also contributes to cardiovascular disease to people. It may also cause tumour to get bigger. In children it causes various learning and anxiety disorders. Moreover, brain development process may be halted by the nicotine exposure in children.
The government is making efforts to control use of tobacco by raising taxes on it. It has also directed companies to print health warning in bigger letters. But, are these efforts enough for people to use such risky products? What do you think? Give your views in comments.
