The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a press release cautioning against the use of e-cigarettes as a substitute for traditional cigarettes. According to the WHO, e-cigarettes contain elements that can cause severe damage to the lungs and respiratory tracts.
In response to this concern, a total of 47 countries worldwide, including South Asian and Southeast Asian countries such as Bhutan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Brunei, and Timor-Leste, have implemented bans on the sale of e-cigarettes until 2021. Many ASEAN countries have also implemented specific laws, notifications, and directives to regulate the use of e-cigarettes.
While Myanmar enacted the Control of Smoking and Consumption of Tobacco Product Law in 2006, the law does not specifically address measures related to e-cigarettes. Consequently, these devices are readily available in the market.
Currently, vaping and e-cigarette usage are gaining popularity among youths worldwide. As opposed to previous generations who primarily experienced tobacco, today’s youth are increasingly influenced by vaping and e-cigarettes. These products are designed with attractive colors and flavors to appeal to young people, leading them to view vaping as a fashion statement. Initially, these products were developed with the intention of reducing cigarette smoking.
All in all, any form of cigarette or tobacco product usage is ultimately detrimental to both individuals and society as a whole. With the exception of tobacco’s limited use in traditional medicine, it is crucial for authorities to implement strict regulations to curb the use of tobacco products in all forms, including vaping, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes for emergence of healthy and fit youths on which the whole Myanmar society can rely in the future.
However, it is important to note that both vaping and e-cigarette usage can be detrimental to users’ health and may even result in loss of life. While users of these products and traditional cigarettes face severe health conditions, tobacco traders, including vape and cigarette merchants, often manage to escape the associated dangers and thrive in their businesses.
E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals, producing an aerosol. Users inhale this aerosol into their lungs, and bystanders can also be exposed to it when users exhale into the air.
While e-cigarettes may have the potential to benefit adult smokers who are not pregnant, provided they completely substitute traditional cigarettes and other smoked tobacco products, they are not considered safe for youth, young adults, pregnant individuals, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products.
All in all, any form of cigarette or tobacco product usage is ultimately detrimental to both individuals and society as a whole. With the exception of tobacco’s limited use in traditional medicine, it is crucial for authorities to implement strict regulations to curb the use of tobacco products in all forms, including vaping, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes for emergence of healthy and fit youths on which the whole Myanmar society can rely in the future.
