Chennai: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement on the ban of e-cigarettes(electronic cigarettes) has evoked a mixed response from the medical community, who say that the move might possibly increase cigarette dependence amongst users.
“The main difference between cigarettes and e-cigarettes is that presence of tobacco. E-cigarettes use nicotine(an addictive drug) and a number of other chemicals to stimulate smoking sans tobacco. It definitely has advantages over normal cigarettes as it prevents tobacco-related diseases,” says Dr Imran, head of emergency services, Parvathy hospital. With the youth picking up on the practice of ‘vaping’, he says that the ban might prove effective in curbing nicotine usage in the nation but remains sceptical of its immediate success. “We should wait and see if the ban has the desired impact. There is a chance that the youth might switch to other nicotine products like nicotine gums,” he adds.
Dr Manimaran, head of department of pulmonology medicine, MIOT hospitals welcomed the ban and said the government should also ensure that such products do not emerge in the black market. Speaking on the ‘increasing trend’ of nicotine usage among youth population, he says, E-cigarettes are less harmful and when first introduced, it was seen as a welcome alternative to traditional cigarettes. Today there are more than 400 brands of them, in over 150 flavours. The nicotine and the flavours are extremely addictive and are slowly becoming a huge threat.“E-cigarettes are falsely marketed to be safe for use. The ban is much welcome as it will reduce the accessibility and availability of the addictive product,” says Dr Bhoopathi, head of department of plastic surgery, Stanley medical college and hospital. Dr Shanthi of Doctors’ Association for Social Equality is however cynical of the ban and raises some serious questions. “I welcome this ban whole-heartedly. But tell me, will banning e-cigarettes without banning ci
garettes, a product many times more harmful, solve the problem?”, she asks. “Contrary to belief, this could increase the smoking rate by a huge multitude,” he adds. She also suspects the hand of tobacco companies behind this unprecedented move. “On a positive note, e-cigarettes promote a false sense of security. They contain other toxic chemicals which can cause respiratory issues and some forms of cancer. Also, the nicotine content and chemicals used in the e-cigarettes differs from brand to brand, which makes it difficult to ascertain if it is safe for use as well as its health effects on users.” she adds.
When asked about a solution to the problem of drug dependence, she reflects, “Smoking, alcohol addiction and drug addiction are all social problems, which means the solution to them lies with society. People resort to such products to divert themselves from reality. If the government is able to zero in on the problems at the grass-root level, which are responsible for dependence on drugs in the first place, that will be the real game-changer.”
She also says if the basic needs of the Indian youth such as employment and social security are met, there are high chances that the ‘drug-addiction culture’ in the nation will come down.
Tamil Nadu bans e-cigarettes ..
Yes, on September 18, 2019, the Indian government banned the production, import, and sale of e-cigarettes in India. The ban was imposed due to concerns about the health risks associated with e-cigarette use, as well as the potential for e-cigarettes to be used as a gateway to smoking traditional combustible cigarettes, especially among young people. The ban applies to all forms of e-cigarettes, including handheld devices and vaporizers. Violators of the ban can face fines and up to three years in jail.
E-cigarette good or bad?
E-cigarettes have not been extensively studied, and the long-term effects of their use are not yet known. However, based on available evidence, the use of e-cigarettes is generally considered to be less harmful than smoking traditional combustible cigarettes. However, e-cigarettes still contain nicotine, which is addictive and can have negative effects on brain development in young people. Additionally, e-cigarettes can contain other harmful chemicals, and there have been reports of severe lung injury associated with their use. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that e-cigarettes are safe or harmless. The best choice is to avoid nicotine and other toxic substances altogether.
How Many Countries band E-cigarettes?
As of my knowledge cut-off in 2021, several countries have imposed restrictions or bans on the sale and use of e-cigarettes. The exact number of countries with such restrictions varies, as regulations can change frequently.
However, some countries that have implemented restrictions or bans on e-cigarettes include India, Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia, and the UAE. In the United States, certain states and cities have implemented restrictions on the use of e-cigarettes in public places. Additionally, the European Union has implemented regulations on the manufacture, presentation, and sale of e-cigarettes.
It’s important to note that the regulation of e-cigarettes varies widely from country to country, and that some countries may have different restrictions for different types of e-cigarettes or nicotine delivery devices.
Can Buy E-cigarette on online in india?
No, it is illegal to buy e-cigarettes online in India. The Indian government banned the production, import, and sale of e-cigarettes in India in September 2019, due to concerns about the health risks associated with e-cigarette use and the potential for e-cigarettes to be used as a gateway to smoking traditional combustible cigarettes, especially among young people. The ban applies to all forms of e-cigarettes, including handheld devices and vaporizers.
Attempting to purchase e-cigarettes online in India may result in penalties, including fines and jail time for violators of the ban. It’s important to abide by local regulations and to seek advice from a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about the health risks associated with e-cigarette use.
But We Find some online Portel Fb and insta page the are selling illegally
E-Cigarette and Normal Cigarette witch one best to health?
Neither e-cigarettes nor traditional combustible cigarettes are good for your health. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive and can have negative effects on brain development in young people. Additionally, e-cigarettes can contain other harmful chemicals, and there have been reports of severe lung injury associated with their use.
Traditional combustible cigarettes contain a wide range of harmful chemicals, including tar and carbon monoxide, and are the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Smoking cigarettes can cause numerous health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
The best choice for your health is to avoid nicotine and other toxic substances altogether, and to seek support to quit if you are already using nicotine or other harmful substances. You can talk to your healthcare provider about safe and effective ways to quit.
