Experts Warn Against E-Cigarettes and Vapes: A Danger to Kids, Says NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo
Health and child rights experts are raising alarms about the promotion of e-cigarettes and vapes as safe alternatives to traditional tobacco products. They caution that these products are being used to lure young people, especially those aged 10 to 19, into tobacco addiction.
Concerns from NCPCR Chairperson
Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), warned that anti-national forces are promoting these products to trap the youth. He emphasized the need for states to take immediate and strict actions to combat this threat.
“E-cigarettes and vapes are as dangerous as tobacco and drugs for our country. Once a child is addicted to these products, they can easily be drawn to other forms of tobacco,” said Kanoongo during a webinar organized by Tobacco Free India.
Legal Measures and Public Health Concerns
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, enacted in 2019, bans the production, sale, and advertisement of e-cigarettes and vapes in India. Despite this, foreign companies are still trying to enter the Indian market.
Dr. Naveen Thacker, President of the International Paediatric Association, criticized the tobacco industry’s tactics of falsely promoting e-cigarettes as healthy alternatives. He highlighted the use of social media and e-commerce platforms to target young people with enticing flavors like bubble gum and sugar candy.
Health Risks and Need for Vigilance
Dr. Pragya Shukla, Head of Clinical Oncology at Delhi State Cancer Institute, stressed the importance of countering industry tactics and maintaining strong regulations. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports India’s ban on e-cigarettes, calling it a strong step to protect youth from nicotine addiction.
Research indicates that e-cigarettes can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and users are more likely to continue smoking along with vaping, known as “dual use.” Experts agree that saving lives must take precedence over industry profits.
Doubts Revealed
E-Cigarettes -: E-cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid to create a vapor you can inhale. They often contain nicotine, which is addictive.
Vapes -: Vapes are similar to e-cigarettes. They also create a vapor from a liquid, which can contain nicotine and other harmful substances.
NCPCR -: NCPCR stands for National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. It is an organization in India that works to protect the rights of children.
Priyank Kanoongo -: Priyank Kanoongo is the Chairperson of the NCPCR. He works to make sure children in India are safe and their rights are protected.
2019 Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act -: This is a law in India that bans the production, sale, and use of e-cigarettes to protect people, especially kids, from their harmful effects.
Nicotine -: Nicotine is a chemical found in tobacco that makes people addicted. It is harmful, especially for young people.
Addiction -: Addiction means not being able to stop doing something harmful, like using e-cigarettes, even if you want to stop.
Regulations -: Regulations are rules made by the government to control or manage activities, like the use of e-cigarettes, to keep people safe.