E-cigarette is becoming a 'gate way' to start smoking

 E-cigarette is becoming a 'gate way' to start smoking

The use of electronic cigarettes (vape) is currently being widely used all over the world. Its use is excessive among young people. Although there is no definite data in Nepal, it is also a fact among us that its use among the youth is increasing day by day. It seems to have started as a way to quit smoking or a solution to tobacco addiction. Recently, it seems that users are using it as a means of entertainment or a different identity.

According to the World Health Organization and various researches, it does not have much of a useful effect in the management of tobacco addiction, on the contrary, it is playing a role as a gateway to start smoking even in people who do not smoke.

What is e-cigarette?

It is a type of electrical device, which heats the liquid tobacco and the flavor used in it and turns it into steam. The user inhales the vapor through the 'mouthpiece' in it. E-cigarettes are available in different forms, types and flavors. E-cigarettes available at various prices are advertised as tobacco-free and tobacco-free. Similarly, the e-cigarettes available in the market are either single-use or multi-use.

What harm does it do?

Regular use of e-cigarettes causes many health complications and harms to human health. Basically, there are various problems in the respiratory system such as persistent dry cough, asthma-like symptoms, wheezing, and constant chest pain. In some cases, the effect of its steam can seriously affect the lungs and even lead to very complicated conditions. According to data, its use significantly increases the risk of various heart diseases and heart attack. Apart from the effects of the nicotine used in it, various mental problems can occur due to the side effects of the chemicals in the developing brain of young people and adults.

Challenges in public health

Unlike the purpose with which e-cigarettes were started, the current major public health challenge is the excessive use of e-cigarettes among young people and adults. If we look at the data of Australia in 2023, more than 17 percent of young people consume it. It seems that one out of every two young people will use e-cigarettes in their lifetime.

What is even more alarming is that even children of 12 years of age or below have been found to be using it regularly. In the Australian state of Victoria alone, more than 14 percent of children between the ages of 12 and 17 are caught in its clutches. Among them, 48 percent don't even smoke and after some time they are also caught in the habit of smoking. Taking these data as a basis, it is becoming a gateway for non-smokers to start smoking. In some cases, it has been found that the user children do not even have proper knowledge about its bad effects and harm.

Another challenge is the regulation of more than 200 chemical elements in it, which act as flavor. What should not be forgotten is that harmful tobacco products have been found in more than 21 percent of e-cigarettes advertised and marketed as tobacco-free.

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Solutions

Taking Nepal's involvement in the World Health Organization's Framework Convention for Tobacco Control as a basis, it seems that e-cigarettes should be regulated as tobacco products. However, in various countries including Australia, stricter legal provisions than those in the framework have been adopted for its regulation. Even in Nepal, as there are debates about its regulation, it seems that a strict legal system should be in view of the public health risk. It has to be properly managed in time as well as economic and social risks. It seems that there should be a complete ban on its export, production, marketing and commercialization. In addition, it seems that a clear message should be conveyed regarding the prohibition of its use in public places, schools, hotels, restaurants and other places.

It seems that there is a need to collect and research data on the use of e-cigarettes and the actual situation in Nepal from the government and non-government. Compared to other countries, it seems that it is necessary to identify the level of risk our young people are and adopt corresponding strategies.

It is the need of today to create and adopt youth-targeted health awareness and public health promotion programs involving the youth as well. Parents also need to be aware that their children are not involved in such kind of culture. In order to discourage the possible use in educational institutions, schools and hostels, it seems that it is necessary to conduct school-targeted awareness programs and to include materials about the harms and side effects of e-cigarettes in the curriculum, to increase the knowledge of children and youth and to develop the skills to avoid smoking.