In the wake of the United Kingdom’s resolute steps to restrict the marketing and sale of e-cigarettes, drawing inspiration from India’s Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, a critical call to action reverberates across the globe. As we applaud these measures, we are compelled to delve into the reasons behind discouraging the sale of e-cigarettes to our most vulnerable demographic – our children.
E-cigarettes are banned under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) in India since 2019. The ban covers production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement) of e-cigarettes. However, on-ground enforcement units including police need to be more aware to enforce this ban stringently.
Recent clarifications from the Union Health Ministry to the Ministry of Civil Aviation underscore the urgency of enforcing PECA, 2019, which, although not explicitly prohibiting individual e-cigarette use, aims to eliminate all facets of these products, casting a protective net over the youth.
Various on-ground research highlights a disconcerting lack of awareness amongst parents, children, schools, and even law enforcement about the risks as well as the ban associated with vaping. Many experts have time and again elucidated the distressing trend of school-going children embracing vaping under the false belief that it harbours no risks and no ban exists. This ignorance is alarming, as it can lead to unwitting addiction among the youth.
Several studies have consistently underscored the alarming health implications of e-cigarettes and flavoured hookahs on adults and children. The inhalation of aerosols from these products exposes developing lungs to harmful substances, including nicotine, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds. Nicotine, highly addictive in nature, can detrimentally impact cognitive functions and brain development in adolescents, potentially leading to lasting behavioural and cognitive deficits.
Additionally, the appealing Flavors masking these products often contain harmful chemicals when inhaled, contributing to respiratory issues, and exacerbating pre-existing conditions such as asthma. Studies also suggest a correlation between the use of flavoured electronic nicotine delivery systems and an increased likelihood of transitioning to conventional cigarettes. The long-term health risks associated with these emerging trends emphasize the urgent need for global intervention to protect our children from the insidious effects of e-cigarettes and flavoured hookahs.
It has been seen that both children and parents often remain oblivious to the severe health consequences of vaping, perceiving it as a harmless activity involving the inhalation of seemingly innocuous Flavors like apple or strawberry. This misconception poses a significant challenge in our collective efforts to shield the youth from the addictive nature of vaping.
Addressing the sale of e-cigarettes to children requires a multifaceted approach with robust, enforceable measures. Firstly there should be stricter vigilance around points of sale which can be informal sources as well as spreading into schools. Additionally, governments should enhance regulatory frameworks to penalize retailers as well as informal sellers who sell e-cigarettes to minors.
Education plays a pivotal role in prevention. Implementing comprehensive awareness campaigns in schools and communities can help educate children, parents, and educators about the risks associated with vaping. These campaigns should highlight the health consequences, addictive nature, and deceptive marketing tactics. School curricula should also integrate modules on the dangers of vaping.
Moreover, governments should closely monitor and regulate the online sale of e-cigarettes. Implementing stringent measures on e-commerce platforms, and monitoring online sales channels, can curb the illicit online sale of these products to minors. Collaboration between health authorities, law enforcement, and online platforms is crucial to ensuring effective oversight. Lastly, community engagement and involvement are essential. Local communities can establish initiatives to raise awareness and discourage the use of e-cigarettes among youth. This may involve collaborations with healthcare professionals, educators, and local businesses to create a united front against the sale of these products to children.
By combining these measures, we can create a comprehensive strategy to curb the sale of e-cigarettes to children, safeguarding the well-being of the younger generation and ensuring a healthier future for all. The addictive nature of vaping, especially in a post-Covid world, poses a tangible threat to the well-being of our children.
Global cooperation is essential to ensure that the shadow of the vaping epidemic does not loom over the health and happiness of future generations and customs and border control mechanisms need to be educated and strengthened. As research underscores the addictive potential of e-cigarettes, it becomes a collective responsibility for countries worldwide to adopt stringent measures.
The author is Director General, Association of Healthcare
Providers (India).