There are conflicting claims about health effects of 3-cigarettes.
Hence, Indian policy makers should tread cautiously in this regard.
How does India’s policy landscape on e-cigarettes look?
Recently, the Delhi government stated in court that it was planning to ban e-cigarettes in its territory due to its likely health implications.
Significantly, Karnataka and Maharashtra have already banned e-cigarettes and the “Union Health Ministry” has also taken a stand against it.
But as combustible cigarettes are freely available throughout India, there are concerns on whether an outright ban against e-cigars is the right move.
Notably, “e-cigar” is a new technology, and its long term health effects aren’t known yet, but there are indications that they are better than conventional cigarettes.
What are the health implications of e-cigars?
Instead of burning tobacco, e-cigars heat a liquid to generate a nicotine-containing aerosol that does not produce toxic tars.
But this doesn’t mean they are completely safe, as at high temperatures, e-cigarettes produce carcinogens such as formaldehyde.
They also increase the odds of lung disease and myocardial infarction.
Nonetheless, its carcinogenic and other health implications are believed to be lesser than for normal cigarettes, although long-term data isn’t available.
What is the dilemma about?
Positives - Some researchers argued that e-cigarettes must be viewed from a “harm minimisation” perspective as they are a better alternative.
Given that combustible cigarettes are more noxious than electronic ones, switching from the former to the latter can help addicts to lead healthier lives.
Negatives - But others feel the need to adopt a precautionary approach as e-cigarettes is a young technology, whose long term effects aren’t known.
Further,some carcinogens in e-cigarettes have already been discovered to have a non-linear effect (even small quantities having big effects) on cancer.
There is also the risk of e-cigarettes acting as a gateway drug for young people and surveys have indicated that e-cigars are likely to increase addictions.
Further, due to its branding as a healthier alternative it may end up promoting the habit of smoking.
What is the way ahead?
Completely banning the technology, while selling normal cigarettes, could take away a promising smoking-cessation aid.
A more pragmatic option would be to regulate e-cigarettes tightly, by creating standards for the aerosols and banning underage and public use.
This would leave smokers with a therapeutic alternative, while protecting youngsters from a gateway drug.
Either ways, conflicting evidence makes it a tough call for policymakers and India should tread cautiously.
