Articles

E-cigarettes, also referred to by other names like vapes or vape pens, are battery-operated devices that consist of a battery, a space to hold a liquid and a heating element. They come in various shapes, sizes and colours, typically meant to appeal to youngsters.

E-cigarettes may or may not contain nicotine, but most do, and the nicotine – extracted from tobacco - is a known addictive substance. However, even without nicotine they are still not safe as the additives in e-cigarettes can harm the body.

E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid containing nicotine (and possibly other harmful substances) to a vapour form. This vapour or aerosol is then inhaled by users into their lungs. When the person exhales it, it can affect bystanders too. Certain e-cigarettes can also be used to consume cannabis and other drugs. Vaping is another name that refers to e-cigarette usage.

Some e-cigarettes even look like pen drives or toys. Parents of children who use e-cigarettes are often deceived by this apparently harmless appearance. Other e-cigarettes have smart phone-like features in them – they detect usage and give reward points making them even more attractive to youngsters.

Facts About E-Cigarettes

According to the WHO:

• E-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) contain different levels of nicotine and other harmful components.
• The emissions from the e-cigarettes can harm non-users when they are exposed to it.
• Certain e-cigarettes marketed as nicotine-free have been found to contain nicotine.
• Fetus development can be affected when pregnant women are exposed to nicotine.
• In children and young adults, nicotine has been found to affect brain development leading to learning disabilities and anxiety.
• While e-cigarettes are often marketed as safer alternatives to cigarettes, strong epidemiological evidence suggests that e-cigarette usage promotes smoking uptake in non-smoking youth.
• More studies are needed to clarify the long-term health implications of e-cigarettes but existing studies indicate that e-cigarettes can lead to cancer as well as heart and lung conditions.
• There are reports of physical injuries (burns) due to sub-standard e-cigarette packaging.
• The consequences of children accidentally being exposed to the liquid in e-cigarettes are also severe.

Nicotine

• It is the nicotine in cigarettes that causes addiction. This nicotine is present in most e-cigarettes too. A person addicted to nicotine needs to consume it to just feel okay. This is a symptom of nicotine addiction.
• Young people are more susceptible to nicotine addiction – even without daily usage they can still get addicted to it. This is because the brain is still undergoing growth and remodeling, and what starts as a social experiment soon turns into addiction.
• Global reports say that the nicotine content in e-cigarettes is increasing over time. E-cigarettes with nicotine salts allow users to ingest increased levels of nicotine without the throat irritation that is associated with freebase nicotine.

The ICMR’s Take: Can E-Cigarettes Help in Quitting Smoking?

The Indian Council of Medical Research has stated that there is no conclusive evidence to show that e-cigarettes are effective in helping people quit smoking. While the marketing for e-cigarettes brands them as smoking cessation aids or safer alternatives to smoking, the ICMR has maintained that there is no substantial evidence to prove this claim. Instead, it recommends approved methods like a combination of medication and counselling for people who want to quit.

Further, it also states that the usage of e-cigarettes can promote uptake of smoking and that people who use e-cigarettes to quit conventional cigarettes often end up consuming both, thus significantly increasing health risks.

E-Cigarettes in India

India banned e-cigarettes in 2019 and is one of the few countries to do so. The ban covers the production, sale, storage and advertisement of e-cigarettes and came into being as experts believed that e-cigarettes would eventually lead to an epidemic of nicotine addiction.

While the ban is meant to protect youngsters from the harmful effects of vaping, educated youngsters continue to have access to them and use them. A survey conducted among educated young adults in India revealed the following:

• E-cigarettes are sourced from retail outlets and social networks.
• Less than two-thirds of the respondents were aware of the harmful effects of e-cigarettes.
• 23% of non-users admitted curiosity regarding vaping and an intention to try it.

These results make it clear that despite the ban, e-cigarette usage is prevalent in India.

What Draws Educated Youth to E-Cigarettes?

That the educated youth are the chief consumers of e-cigarettes is indeed concerning. But why is the usage prevalent among them? There are a number of reasons:

• Many young people are under the impression that e-cigarettes are safe and are unaware that e-cigarettes can contain nicotine.
• Some confess that they use them to deal with stress, anxiety and depression.
• When their social circle is into using e-cigarettes, they too are drawn into using it as e-cigarettes are perceived as trendy and acceptable.
• E-cigarettes come in a variety of flavours meant to entice like vanilla custard, strawberry ice cream, etc. This gives youth the impression that they are harmless.

Keeping Our Children Safe

A multipronged effort is needed to safeguard our children from vaping. This means parents, teachers, healthcare providers and governments need to come together to take a strong stance against vaping.

• Parents need to have open conversations with their children about the dangers of vaping. They should also be on guard for any new fruity scents or devices. Parents should refrain from tobacco products themselves and set a good example for their children.
• Schools should conduct regular awareness programs on vaping and its dangers; teachers should stay alert for signs of vaping among students.
• Healthcare providers should screen their young patients for e-cigarette usage and also provide cessation advice.
• The government should launch large-scale awareness campaigns to address the many misconceptions regarding e-cigarettes and counter the narrative that their usage is harmless or beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are E-Cigarettes and How Do They Work?

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid to create an aerosol (vapour) that users inhale. The liquid usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and chemicals. The device typically has a battery, heating element, and cartridge containing the liquid.

2. Are E-Cigarettes Safer Than Traditional Cigarettes?

E-cigarettes are often marketed as safer alternatives, but they are not risk-free. They can expose users to nicotine and harmful chemicals that may damage the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Long-term health effects are still being studied.

3. Why Is Vaping Dangerous for Teenagers and Young Adults?

Nicotine affects the developing brain. In adolescents and young adults it can lead to addiction, anxiety, mood disorders, and learning difficulties. Early nicotine exposure can also increase the likelihood of future tobacco use.

4. Are E-Cigarettes Legal in India?

India banned e-cigarettes in 2019. The ban covers production, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of these devices to protect public health and prevent nicotine addiction among youth.

5. Can Secondhand Vape Aerosol Harm Others?

Yes. The aerosol released from e-cigarettes may contain nicotine, ultrafine particles, and toxic chemicals. People nearby can inhale these substances, which may negatively affect their health.

6. Can E-Cigarettes Help People Quit Smoking?

There is no conclusive evidence that vaping helps people quit smoking. The Indian Council of Medical Research states that approved cessation methods such as counselling and medication are safer and more effective.