The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging governments worldwide to treat electronic cigarettes (vape) as harmful as conventional tobacco cigarettes and is advocating for a ban on the wide circulation of flavored electronic cigarettes.
The WHO’s recommendation comes amid concerns that electronic cigarettes are being aggressively marketed, especially to young people, resulting in an increase in nicotine addiction among non-smokers, particularly children and teenagers.
Despite being considered a healthier alternative to conventional cigarettes, the WHO states there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that vaping helps smokers quit. Instead, research indicates that vaping poses significant health risks.
The organization has observed an alarming trend of vape use among children aged 13 to 15, outpacing adult usage globally, due to aggressive marketing strategies.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stresses the need for stricter preventive measures, including a ban on all flavoring additives such as menthol, higher taxes, and public usage bans.
The WHO notes that vaping produces substances known to cause cancer and poses risks to heart and lung health, as well as potentially harming brain development in young people.
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While WHO guidelines are not mandatory, many countries voluntarily adopt its recommendations. The organization, along with other anti-tobacco groups, is pushing for tighter regulations on new nicotine products.
The WHO’s call for a global ban on vapes highlights the growing concern about the health risks associated with vaping, especially among the youth. This move aims to mitigate nicotine addiction and protect public health.
The World Health Organization is urging countries worldwide to ban the use of vapes, citing health risks and a concerning rise in use among young people. This recommendation is part of a broader effort to regulate new nicotine products and protect public health, particularly the well-being of children and teenagers.
Source: Ulasan, Detik Jabar (2023)
