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- Recently, the Delhi government stated in court that it was planning to ban e-cigarettes in its territory due to its likely health implications.
- 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. Instead of burning tobacco, ecigars 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.
- Positives – Some researchers argued that ecigarettes 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 is a young technology, whose long term effects aren’t known.
- 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.
- Completely banning the technology, while selling normal cigarettes, could take away a promising smoking-cessation aid.
- A more pragmatic option would be to regulate ecigarettes tightly, by creating standards for the aerosols and banning underage and public use.