Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : October 31, 2014 5:49 PM IST
E-cigarettes found more effective in helping smokers quit. © Shutterstock
According to a senior health minister, Indian Government is planning to impose a ban on electronic cigarettes considering the fact that they increase the risk of health complications in the general public. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a severe regulation of e-cigarettes and bans on indoor use in the month of August, as a latest bid to control the $3 billion global market. (Read: E-cigarettes could be as harmful as cigarettes)
E-cigs use cartridges to produce a nicotine-like vapour and is powered by a battery. But the of lack of scientific research and studies to support the safety of these electronic cigarettes to public health has lead the Government to impose ban on this device. Further, some experts believe that this might lead to nicotine addiction and tobacco smoking. The official, who choose not to be named said that expert panels have advised regulation of this product or a ban. As it is difficult to regulate e-cigarette in the country like India, the Government is considering to ban the product in the next two months. (Read: Quit smoking naturally the yoga way to kick the butt)
The International Tobacco Control Project estimated that more than 900,000 Indians die every year due to tobacco-related illness, and that number is likely to reach a 1.5 million mark by 2020, if the current scenario continues. The Government under the leadership of Narendra Modi is leaving no stone unturned to curb consumption of tobacco in India. Earlier this year, there has been an increase in the taxes of tobacco products, in addition to ordering the manufacturing companies to print health warning messages on 80% of the packages. (Read: How to identify and beat your smoking triggers)
An electronic cigarette is a device that mimics the entire smoking process by producing a mist which has the same sensation (sometimes the same flavour too) of smoking. The concept of an electronic cigarette has been around since the 60s but tobacco consumption wasn t really considered hazardous back then and it took until 2003 for the first smokeless e-cigarette to hit the market.
Electronic cigarettes manufacturers claim that they are like real cigarettes except that there are no hazardous health implications because there is no combustion, no tobacco and no smoking. Also since there is no passive smoking, second hand smoke and pollution due to butt litter or smoke.
What s in an e-cig?
The e-cigarette basically consists of three parts: Cartridge, Atomizer and Power supply. The cartridge s a mouthpiece (like a cigarette s butt) that usually holds the liquid that is to be vaporized. The atomizer serves as a heating element and vaporizes the liquid and each of them contains a power supply like a chargeable plug, USB drive or batteries.
An e-cigarette produces nicotine infused vapour and though it looks like smoke is actually atomised air. Some e-cigs replace this nicotine vapour with other flavours like vanilla, chocolate, etc. though certain anti-smoking groups feel this could encourage minors to smoke. As a smoking cessation tool some manufactures even look to replicate the flavour of particular brands like Marlboro, Camel, etc.
Image Source: Getty Images
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