Indian docs support WHO ban on vapes, call on govt to take action

The experts emphasise that vapes cannot serve as a viable substitute for tobacco smoking.

The annual death toll of over 8.67 million attributed to tobacco use underscores the urgency of addressing this public health crisis.

"We cannot endorse the industry's claim that vapes pose significantly lower health risks than tobacco. Youngsters are falling into the trap of using e-cigarettes early on and may become addicted to nicotine. Stringent measures are imperative, and a blanket ban could be the most effective solution. This includes bans on all flavouring agents, such as menthol, and applying tobacco control measures to vapes," Dr. Soumya Mukherjee, Consultant, BMT, Haematology & Haemato Oncology at Narayana Hospital, Howrah told IANS.

The WHO said that while the long-term health risks of vapes remain unclear, they generate substances known to cause cancer, pose risks to heart and lung health, and could impact brain development in young people.

In India, where tobacco use is a leading risk factor for premature deaths, the urgency to address this issue is underscored by the experts who assert that tobacco use is among the unhealthy behaviours responsible for a preventable burden of cancers, strokes, and heart diseases.

"Nicotine and vaping products can have serious negative effects on the health of children and adolescents. Inhalation of nicotine through vaping can harm developing brains, impacting memory, attention, and impulse control. Nicotine is highly addictive, and early exposure increases the risk of lifelong addiction," Dr Nehal Shah, Consultant Paediatrician, SRCC Hospital, Mumbai, told IANS.

Dr Shah said it is crucial to educate youth about the risks associated with nicotine and vaping, promoting awareness to prevent the initiation of these harmful habits and safeguard the well-being of future generations. Any kind of smoking is highly discouraged in kids and actions must be taken to quit smoking.