Urgent need to control use of e-cigarettes, says WHO

Relevance: GS2 – e-cigarettes, World Health Organization (WHO), Health impacts of e-cigarettes, Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act, 2019, Social implications of e-cigarette use, Role of international organizations in shaping global health policies

Primary Source: The Hindu

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Why in the news?

• World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concerns about the increasing use of e-cigarettes and has called for urgent control measures.
• The WHO highlighted the ineffectiveness of e-cigarettes in quitting tobacco at the population level and points out adverse health effects.

What are e-cigarettes?

• E-cigarettes, short for electronic cigarettes, are battery-operated devices that simulate the act of traditional tobacco smoking.
• They are designed to deliver nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals to the user in the form of an aerosol that is inhaled.
• E-cigarettes are sometimes referred to as vape pens, vaporizers, or simply "vapes."

Concerns regarding e-cigarettes

• Ineffectiveness for Quitting Tobacco: The WHO states that e-cigarettes as consumer products have not been proven effective for quitting tobacco use at the population level.
• Adverse Health Effects: There is alarming evidence of adverse health effects associated with e-cigarettes, which is a significant concern for the WHO.
• Risk to Children and Young People: The WHO is particularly concerned about the impact on children and young people. E-cigarettes are seen as a tool for recruiting and trapping young individuals into nicotine use, which may lead to a lifelong addiction.
• Aggressive Marketing: The WHO highlights that e-cigarettes are aggressively marketed to young people, increasing their appeal and potential for abuse among this demographic.
• Lack of Regulation: There is a notable lack of regulation in many countries regarding the sale of e-cigarettes, their advertisement, and the minimum age for purchase.
• Social Media Influence: Exposure to e-cigarette content on social media is linked to increased intentions to use these products and more positive attitudes towards them, particularly among young people.
• Gateway to Smoking: Studies indicate that young people who use e-cigarettes are significantly more likely to use traditional cigarettes later in life.
• Rising Usage Among Youth: Data shows a concerning increase in e-cigarette usage among young individuals, with notably higher rates than adults in many regions.
• Addictiveness and Health Harms: E-cigarettes containing nicotine are highly addictive and harmful to health. Long-term health effects are not fully understood, but they are known to generate toxic substances, some of which are carcinogenic or increase the risk of heart and lung disorders.

Usage Statistics

• Children in the 13-15 age group are using e-cigarettes at higher rates than adults across all WHO regions.
• In Canada, e-cigarette use among 16 to 19-year-olds doubled between 2017 and 2022.
• In the U.K., the number of young users tripled in the past three years.

Global Regulations with Regards to e-cigarettes

• Thirty-four countries have completely banned the sale of e-cigarettes.
• Eighty-eight countries do not have a minimum age requirement for purchasing e-cigarettes.
• Seventy-four countries lack regulations for e-cigarettes.
• In India, the possession of e-cigarettes is prohibited under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act, 2019.

Health Impacts of e-cigarettes

• Addiction and Health Risks: E-cigarettes containing nicotine are highly addictive and harmful to health. They generate toxic substances, some of which are carcinogenic and others that increase the risk of heart and lung disorders.
• Impact on Brain Development: There is a concern that e-cigarettes can affect brain development in young people, leading to learning disorders.
• Risks During Pregnancy: Foetal exposure to e-cigarettes can negatively impact the development of the foetus in pregnant women.
• Risks to Bystanders: Emissions from e-cigarettes also pose risks to bystanders.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Regulations: Countries should consider implementing stricter regulations on the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes, especially targeting the accessibility to minors.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: There's a need for more effective public awareness campaigns to educate people, particularly the youth, about the potential health risks associated with e-cigarettes.
• Global Collaboration: Encourage international collaboration such as sharing best practices, research findings, and strategies to combat the global rise in e-cigarette use.
• Monitoring Social Media and Online Content: Given the influence of social media on youth behavior, it's important to monitor and potentially regulate the promotion of e-cigarettes on these platforms.
• Addressing Nicotine Addiction: Implement comprehensive programs to address nicotine addiction more broadly, including education on the risks of nicotine dependency and support for individuals trying to quit.

Conclusion

The WHO calls for urgent measures to prevent e-cigarette uptake and combat nicotine addiction. A comprehensive approach to tobacco control is necessary, taking into account the national circumstances.

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FAQs

MCQs

Question: Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2023)

Statement-I: India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care.

Statement-II: Under India's decentralized approach to health care delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Question: With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)

1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
3. It has seamless portability across the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question: As per the WHO report, which of the following is a regulatory measure taken by India regarding e-cigarettes?

(a) Implementation of heavy taxes on e-cigarettes.

(b) Mandatory health warnings on e-cigarette packaging.

(c) Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act, 2019, banning possession of e-cigarettes.

(d) Limitation on the flavors of e-cigarettes available.