The Union Health Ministry has recently issued an advisory to all states in India, directing them to impose a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) within their jurisdiction. This development comes in the wake of criticism from the Delhi High Court aimed at the Centre over its delay in devising regulations to handle the rising popularity and potential threat of e-cigarettes in India.
Details of the Ban
Following the instruction from the Union Health Ministry, a comprehensive ban is set to be placed on various forms of ENDS, including but not limited to, e-cigarettes, Heat-Not-Burn devices, Vape, e-Shisha, and e-Nicotine Flavoured Hookahs. This ban will extend to not just the sale of these devices (including online sales) but also their manufacturing, distribution, trading, import and advertisement. States such as Punjab, Karnataka, Kerala, Mizoram, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have already implemented such a ban.
Global Precedence
India is not the first country to enforce such a ban. Thirty other countries, including Australia, Singapore and Sri Lanka, have also banned ENDS in various capacities.
Understanding E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol form. This aerosol is then inhaled and exhaled by the user. The liquid used in e-cigarettes typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, and an array of other chemicals.
Concerns Surrounding ENDS Use
In India, ENDS products, including e-cigarettes, are not registered as nicotine replacement therapy products. These devices usually contain nicotine, an addictive substance. They pose severe health risks, particularly to youth, young adults, and pregnant women.
A number of harmful metals and chemicals, such as lead, chromium, nickel, and formaldehyde have been identified in the aerosols of some ENDS. The concentrations of these substances are often equal to or even higher than their levels in traditional cigarettes, thereby acting as ‘tumor promoters’.
The Emergence of a New Industry
Traditional cigarette manufacturing companies have ventured into the production of e-cigarette-like devices, creating a growing industry hub within India. This sector, however, remains under-regulated.
The Danger of Ignorance
The lack of widespread awareness about the negative impacts of nicotine and the easy accessibility of ENDS products contribute significantly to the youth being more susceptible to addiction. This makes the regulation and control of these products all the more paramount for safeguarding public health.