Health

Please Review,

Thank You.

KEY POINTS

·         “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.

·         As combustible cigarettes are freely available throughout India, there are concerns on whether an outright ban against e-cigars is the right move.

·         Instead of burning tobacco, e-cigars heat a liquid to generate a nicotine-containing aerosol that does not produce toxic tars.

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

·         E-cigarettes are 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.

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.

Kindly review