JOIN USA letter written by over 1,000 doctors from 27 states and three union territories to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an immediate ban on e-cigarettes in the country is based on a serious public health concern. The request is for a ban on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), which includes e-cigarettes and e-hookahs, and are variously called as vapes, vape pens, etc. They are devices that look like regular cigarettes or pens or other items that electronically act upon e-liquids, most of which contain nicotine. The use of ENDS products is increasing among young people as most anti-tobacco campaigns are focussed on their direct use. Though there is a view that the dangers of the use of ENDS products are yet to be fully established, the wider consensus is that they are as harmful as tobacco products. E-cigarette vapour contains many chemicals, some of which are not found even in tobacco, and are harmful to the user and others exposed to it.
E-cigarettes are widely available in India, especially online. Last year, the union health ministry had issued an advisory to all states to ban all forms of e-cigarettes. This was after a Delhi high court order to the government for immediate measures to meet the “emerging threat’’. Other official bodies in the health sector had also recommended a ban. Some states have announced a ban, but it is not certain whether it is being effectively enforced. In order to be fully effective, the ban has to be imposed and implemented by all state and UT governments. There are some legal issues, because some rules under the Information Technology Act may have to be amended. But it seems there is some rethinking about the proposed amendments. An official recently commented that there may be nothing illegal about vaping if it actually discourages the use of tobacco.
The idea that vaping discourages smoking is a misconception. The use of ENDS products is promoted as a means for cessation of tobacco use and as a safe alternative to it. This is a tactic being used by big tobacco companies. Medical communities all over the world have contested this. ENDS products are also as addictive as other tobacco products. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for strong measures to curb the use of e-cigarettes. The tobacco lobby is putting pressure on the government and is campaigning against a ban. The government should go by the opinion of doctors and experts and ensure that there is a complete and effective ban on ENDS devices all over the country in the interest of public health.