World No Tobacco Day | Why the ban on e-cigarettes in India was a commendable step
India's stand against Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) is further justified considering their potential to undermine tobacco control laws, and E-cigarettes, which are often promoted for use in smoke-free environments, pose a threat to air quality and potentially reversing the gains achieved through smoking bans, writes HCG Cancer Centre's Dr Vishal Rao.
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), commonly known as e-cigarettes, have emerged as a modern paradox in the realm of public health. These devices, which simulate the act of smoking without burning tobacco, have sparked a contentious debate worldwide. In India, this debate has led to a stringent stance, with the government imposing a ban on these products.
This op-ed explores the rationale behind this prohibition, the hidden perils of e-cigarettes, and why India's stringent approach is justified.
At first glance, e-cigarettes appear to be a beacon of hope for millions struggling with tobacco addiction. They deliver a nicotine fix via vapor, allegedly without the notorious carcinogens found in traditional cigarette smoke. However, beneath the surface, the reality is far more troubling. The chief constituent of ENDS, nicotine, is notoriously addictive and toxic, linked to a gamut of cardiovascular and lung diseases. Despite the aggressive marketing portraying e-cigarettes as safer alternatives, their safety is unproven and highly disputed.
One cannot ignore the design evolution of these devices that now enable them to deliver nicotine doses akin to combustible cigarettes, raising serious concerns about cardiac safety, misuse, and heightened addiction potential. The implications of this are dire, especially for a nation battling to curb tobacco-related health issues.
The allure of e-cigarettes has ensnared the youth, with the false perception of safety driving new, young users towards these devices. This is not merely speculation; studies in the United States have shown an alarming trend where nicotine solution from e-cigarettes leads to accidental poisonings, particularly among children. Moreover, the transition from e-cigarettes to traditional tobacco products is a looming threat, with young people who start with ENDS at risk of graduating to more harmful smoking habits.
India's stand against ENDS is further justified considering their potential to undermine tobacco control laws. E-cigarettes are often promoted for use in smoke-free environments, posing a threat to air quality and potentially reversing the gains achieved through smoking bans. This could derail efforts to support individuals in their journey to quit nicotine altogether.
The legal framework in India reflects the gravity with which nicotine is treated. Nicotine is a hazardous chemical under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and is heavily regulated in its use as a pesticide and in food products. The sale, import, manufacture, and trade of nicotine for human consumption are tightly controlled, with only specific nicotine replacement therapies like gums and lozenges being permitted under strict licensing.
The case of Burning Brain Society vs. Union of India highlights the judicial recognition of the perils posed by nicotine in chemical form. The outcome was the creation of a task force to monitor and curtail its abuse, demonstrating the necessity for vigilant control.
India's proactive stance, culminating in the ban on ENDS, is not merely a regulatory move but a public health imperative. By disallowing the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes, the government is taking a preventive approach, acknowledging the potential risks associated with these devices before they escalate to a public health crisis.
In conclusion, the ban on e-cigarettes in India is a commendable step in safeguarding the health of its citizens. While critics may argue for harm reduction strategies, the uncharted risks and the predatory marketing targeting the youth make a strong case for the ban. The government's responsibility is to protect public health, and in the case of e-cigarettes, a cautious approach is the wisest path forward.
—The author, Dr Vishal Rao, is Group Director - Head & Neck Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery, at HCG Cancer Centre, Bangalore. The views expressed are personal.
