Today (May 31) marks World No Tobacco Day across the world. This day, initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), is aimed at raising awareness about the ill effects of tobacco. May 31 is dedicated to raising awareness about the threats posed by tobacco and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.
However, while the threats of traditional cigarettes are well-documented and understood, there is another trend among the younger generation that needs to be addressed, that of “vaping”. Youngsters smoke electronic cigarettes.
E-cigarette is an effective tool for quitting smoking in adults. While 10% of smokers are likely to quit smoking by changing to e-cigarettes; with other methods, this number is seven per cent. However, aggressive marketing of e-cigarettes led to an explosion in their use by adolescents and young adults.
Nicotine Addiction in Gen-Z
While vaping is less harmful than smoking, it still contains nicotine albeit in lesser amount. The addiction potential of nicotine (also present in e-cigarettes) may mean that youth who vape are more likely to become cigarette smokers. Hence, this might be causing the next smoking epidemic through young people getting addicted to e-cigarettes early in life according to experts.
Not only this, these also have flavours like fruit, mint and menthol making them addictive to the youth. What’s more, these ECs look like pens, USB flash drives, perfumes, flashlights, car key fobs etc. so they easily go unrecognised by teachers and parents of the students.
E-cigarettes are banned in India
It is pertinent to note that e-cigarettes are banned in India. In this country, possession of e-cigarettes and similar devices in any form, quantity, or manner is in violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act (PECA) 2019, according to the Union Health Ministry.
The ban includes a prohibition on all forms of electronic nicotine delivery systems, heat not burn products, e-hookah and similar devices.
It is also important to note that E-cigarettes are still very unsafe. One cigarette requires 10-15 puffs and lasts five to eight minutes. One vape offers 600 puffs, which equals 50 cigarettes, though with lesser nicotine. Vaping burns nicotine at very high (350 degrees) temperatures. This produces water-retaining excipients like propylene glycol and glycerine which cause pulmonary irritation.
E-cigarettes can cause respiratory issues like coughing, gasping, and shortness of breath. Prolonged use may increase the risk of respiratory infections and complicate lung conditions. Metals in the heating coil might leach metals; while flavourings could cause bronchitis. E-vape-associated lung injuries (EVALI) are also a possibility.
While vaping may have been introduced as a tool to quit smoking, its popularity among the younger generation may just be leading to a smoking epidemic. This World No Tobacco Day, lets pledge to collectively kick the habit and protect the upcoming generation from the dangers of tobacco.