E-Cigarettes: A Ticking Time Bomb for India’s Youth

There is growing concern over the alarming rise in the use of e-cigarettes and vapes among young people in India. Experts warn that these products, which are often falsely advertised as harmless alternatives to traditional tobacco products, are causing serious harm to young people. tobaccoare acting as a gateway to lifelong addiction.1^✔ ✔Reliable source
Health and child rights experts warn against the use of e-cigarettes and vapes

Go to the source

).

E-cigarette use among adolescents: the alarming rise in e-cigarette consumption

With a staggering 260 million teenagers in its sights, the e-cigarette industry is employing aggressive tactics to attract the next generation. These products are cleverly disguised with tempting flavors, such as gum and candy, making them irresistibly appealing to young consumers.

‘E-cigarettes attract children with sweet flavours. 1 in 5 teenagers is addicted. #PublicHealth #medindia’

Priyank Kanoongo, president of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning, calling those promoting e-cigarettes “anti-national forces” and stressing the urgent need for state governments to take decisive action to protect the nation’s youth from this insidious threat.

E-cigarettes, which are often marketed to young people, have not been shown to be effective in quitting smoking and pose significant health risks. Thirty-four countries ban the sale of e-cigarettes, but many others have no regulations. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stresses the need for strict measures to prevent their use among young people.2^✔ ✔Reliable source
Urgent measures are needed to protect children and prevent the use of electronic cigarettes

Go to the source).

E-cigarettes are addictive, produce toxic substances and can harm brain development and fetal health. It is alarming that children aged 13 to 15 are using them. electronic cigarettes at higher rates than adults in all WHO regions, and social media and influencers play an important role in promoting their use.

Debunking the myth: e-cigarettes as a threat to public health

The tobacco industry is employing a sophisticated strategy to deceive consumers. E-cigarettes and vapes are presented as healthier options, a claim vehemently refuted by health experts. Dr. Naveen Thacker, president of the International Pediatric Association (IPA)He stressed the serious dangers associated with these products, stating that they are just as harmful as traditional tobacco.

Experts and policy makers are united in their demand for stricter regulations to curb the e-cigarette epidemic. Dr Sudhanshu Kumar, Associate Professor at the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, stressed the importance of prioritizing public health on industry profits.

Renowned public health expert Dr Pragya Shukla stressed the crucial role of dispelling the myth that e-cigarettes are safe. She underlined the need for sustained surveillance and strong regulation to safeguard the well-being of the country’s youth.

India’s ban on e-cigarettes is an important step in protecting its citizens. However, the battle is far from over. The tobacco industry’s relentless quest for new markets demands an unwavering commitment from policymakers, health professionals and civil society to protect young people from this growing threat.

1. Health and child rights experts warn against the use of e-cigarettes and vapes (https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/health-child-rights-experts-warn-against-use-of-e-cigarettes-vapes20240729174555/)
2. Urgent measures are needed to protect children and prevent the use of electronic cigarettes (https://www.who.int/news/item/14-12-2023-urgent-action-needed-to-protect-children-and-prevent-the-uptake-of-e-cigarettes)

Source-Medindia