Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) popularly known as e-cigarettes are highly addicting and potentially lethal product. It is mostly being used by children and youth, glamourised as these are by the tobacco industry. Though not generally available in stores, these are widely promoted through social media, email marketing etc. with discount offers.
Sales are increasing sharply all over the world. Currently, these are not regulated by any national authority in India. Punjab became the first state to declare ENDS as illegal in 2013 under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act which allows nicotine (2mg and 4 mg) only as gums and lozenges to be manufactured and sold. With technical guidance from Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala have also declared these products as illegal.
Many other states are in the process to do the same. According to Punjab Poisons Possession and Sale Rules, 2014 framed under The Poisons Act, 1919, nicotine is a poison and it is mandatory to possess a license to sell it. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken serious cognizance of the matter of nicotine in liquid form.
These are marketed as “A healthy substitute to cigarettes” and are promoted as an alternative to control or even stop smoking. It is also argued that e-cigarettes are as safe as other nicotine replacement products such as patches. There have been many misconceptions about their potential benefits which are not true.
Worries about possible health risks have led to some countries talking of restricting its use, as in the UK. In 2009 Canada and Australia banned e-cigarettes. The US also stopped e-cigarettes from being imported. Thus, e-cigarettes are not FDA-approved.
The most important ingredient of e-cigarettes is nicotine that is one of the most addicting agents. The US Surgeon General has concluded nicotine to be as addictive as cocaine or heroin. Studies have shown the nicotine dependence may be transmitted maternally and genetically. Other than being addictive, nicotine has numerous health risks. Its use can lead to cancer.
Being a vasoconstrictor its usage can lead to brain stroke, angina, heart attack, severe pain in the legs and even gangrene. Exposure to nicotine during adolescence can harm brain development. It also adversely affects the reproductive system, lungs, kidney etc. E-cigarettes do not emit a harmless water vapour, but an aerosol that contains at least 10 chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
It is a proven fact that that e-cigarettes can be even more harmful than normal cigarettes. There is no scientific evidence available that these are more helpful as cessation devices that other proven pharmacological agents.
Resource : http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/trends/e-cigarettes-are-addictive-and-harmful/279681.html
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