In a recent development, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared a ban on the production and sale of e-cigarettes. Reasons cited behind this ban is its harmful effects on health
The use of e-cigarettes has always been in question because of its impact on health. In a press conference held on Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved a ban on the e-cigarettes. This ban will be immediately imposed, and the production, import/export, manufacturing, sale, distribution and even advertising related to e-cigarettes will be banned with immediate effect.
This decision of Union Cabinet is based on a paper issued by the ICMR on the potential danger of e-cigarettes. According to the draft, going against the ban can cost up to Rs 1 lakh or a year in jail. Continuous defaulters can also lead to imprisonment up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakhs. Even selling or keeping e-cigarettes can result in imprisonment of six months or fine of up to Rs 50,000 or both.
Alarming Figures
India has the second-highest number of tobacco users (268 million) worldwide - at least 1.2 million die of tobacco-related diseases every year. The harmful effects of tobacco have been known to all. However, there is still a considerable population, which heavily relies on tobacco consumption.
Also Read: Are e-cigarettes safer than tobacco? 4 myths about e-cigarettes busted
Earlier, an advisory was issued by the Union Health Ministry to all states and Union Territories against e-cigarettes, e-sheesha, e-nicotine flavoured hookah and devices that enable nicotine delivery. Also, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had disregarded the use of e-cigarettes for the potential of causing addiction to nicotine.
Smoking In Teens
Earlier, e-cigarettes were promoted as a means to control the smoking of cigarettes. Also, the growing concern of smoking in teens made this is a viable option to reduce the dependency on conventional cigarettes. However, the Finance Minister stated that more than 400 brands were believed to be sold in e-cigarettes in over 150 flavours. Also, the alarming situation here was that none of those brands were from India."
Also Read: Health ministry asks states to ban e-cigarettes
Side-Effects of E-Cigarettes
- Oral cancer
- Lung cancer
- Mouth ulcers
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Pain in chest
- Breathing problems
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Govt Bans E-Cigarettes, Sale And Production To Stop Owing To Health Hazards, Source:https://www.onlymyhealth.com/govt-bans-e-cigarettes-sale-and-production-to-stop-owing-to-health-hazards-1568804742