E-cigarettes, though often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products, have recently come under scrutiny by the World Health Organization (WHO). With concerns regarding their impact on public health, particularly among the young population, the WHO has urged governments worldwide to implement strict regulations for e-cigarettes, similar to those placed on tobacco.
What are e-Cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are electronic devices powered by batteries that heat liquid into an aerosol, which the user inhales and exhales. The e-cigarette liquid usually includes ingredients like nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, and a range of chemicals. These devices are sometimes referred to as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), depending upon their design and contents.
Efficacy and Public Health Concerns
The WHO has raised several concerns about the use of e-cigarettes, both in terms of their effectiveness for smoking cessation and their impact on public health. There is currently no substantial evidence proving that e-cigarettes can effectively help quit tobacco use at a population level. On the contrary, there’s alarming data indicating detrimental effects from their use, particularly with the young demographic, due in part to aggressive marketing strategies and insufficient regulations across many countries.
Impact on Youth
An area of significant concern is the uptake of e-cigarette use among young individuals, potentially leading to nicotine addiction early in life. This trend is driven by the aggressive advertising of e-cigarettes and a lack of proper regulations. In every WHO region, more children aged 13-15 years use e-cigarettes than adults. For instance, in Canada, e-cigarette use among 16-19-year-olds doubled between 2017 and 2022.
Health Risks
The long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are yet to be fully understood. However, it is known that these devices produce toxic substances, some of which have been linked to cancer and an increased risk of heart and lung disorders. They may also impact brain development, cause learning issues in the young population, and adversely affect fetal development during pregnancy.
Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine, a key ingredient in e-cigarettes, is highly addictive and poses health risks for users and bystanders alike. This fact becomes a major concern when dealing with nicotine addiction, especially among young users.
Pros of e-Cigarettes
Despite the concerns raised, some argue in favor of e-cigarettes citing their potential for harm reduction as compared to traditional tobacco products. E-cigarettes contain nicotine but lack many harmful carcinogens found in regular cigarettes. Additionally, there’s the economic benefit that governments could gain substantial tax revenue from legalizing and regulating e-cigarettes. Lastly, the argument for consumer choice suggests that adult smokers should have a less harmful option if they find traditional smoking cessation methods ineffective.
Nicotine – A Key Ingredient
Nicotine is a plant alkaloid found in several types of plants, including the tobacco plant. It can also be produced synthetically. Nicotine has both sedative and stimulating properties and is used directly in e-cigarettes, with content ranging up to 36 mg/mL.
Government Measures on Tobacco Consumption
Several government initiatives are underway to control tobacco consumption. These include the National Tobacco Control Programme, Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Amendment Rules, 2023, and the National Tobacco Quitline Services. Also noteworthy is the 16% increase in National Calamity Contingent Duty on cigarettes announced in the Budget 2023-24 by India’s Union Finance Minister.
The Way Forward
To protect public health, urgent measures are required to prevent the uptake of e-cigarettes and counter nicotine addiction. A comprehensive approach to tobacco control is needed considering national circumstances. Some suggest that e-cigarettes should be regulated and taxed similarly to other “sin goods”, like cigarettes and alcohol, as a means to discourage excessive use while still providing access to a potentially less harmful smoking alternative.