WHO issues warning on e-cigarette use

The WHO has published a new report on e-cigarette use. The report states that e-cigarette use has not been effective in reducing tobacco use.

CALL FOR ACTION

Pointing out that concerning evidence regarding the effects of e-cigarettes on public health has emerged, the report states that e-cigarettes have been "persistently" allowed to be on the market and marketed to young people.

The report states, "Urgent action is needed to control the use of e-cigarettes to protect children and non-smokers, as well as to minimize harm to public health."

34 COUNTRIES HAVE BANNED E-CIGARETTE SALES

Noting that 34 countries have banned the sale of e-cigarettes, the report highlights that there is no minimum age limit for the sale of these products in 88 countries, and there are no regulations regarding these products in 74 countries.

Reminding that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are highly addictive, the report notes that some of these products cause cancer, while others increase the risk of heart and lung diseases.

Pointing out that in all regions where the WHO operates, children aged 13-15 use e-cigarettes at higher rates than adults, the report states, "In Canada, e-cigarette use rates among youth aged 16-19 doubled between 2017 and 2022. In the UK, the number of young users has tripled in the last three years."

CALL FOR URGENT MEASURES FOR COUNTRIES

The report underscores that, in addition to a comprehensive approach to tobacco control, urgent measures must be taken to prevent e-cigarette use and combat nicotine addiction.

The report recommends that countries that have banned the sale of e-cigarettes establish effective monitoring mechanisms to strengthen the enforcement of this ban, and calls on countries that allow their sale to implement strong regulations and taxation to reduce the harm these products pose to the population.

In the report, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that young people are being lured into using e-cigarettes at an early age and can become addicted to nicotine.

Ghebreyesus called on countries to take strict measures to prevent smoking and, in particular, to protect young people.

News Source: 12punto