Electronic Cigarettes Seriously Harm Human Health, Society, Economy, Especially Children and Pregnant Women
The Harmful Effects of Using E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco
According to the Communication Guidance Document on the Prevention of New Tobacco Products for High School Students, issued in conjunction with Decision 1751/QD-BGDDT in 2022:
- E-cigarettes and heated tobacco are two types of new tobacco products that are increasingly used and most popular worldwide and in Vietnam, especially among the youth.
- These products are currently not regulated under the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm, nor are they permitted for import and business in Vietnam.
- Most e-cigarettes and heated tobacco contain nicotine and many harmful chemicals to human health.
+ The harmful effects of nicotine are well documented. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical compound with a stimulating effect on the nervous system. Use of any product containing nicotine can lead to nicotine addiction and other adverse health effects.
- Addiction and impact on the nervous system: Nicotine in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco is a strong addictive and highly toxic substance, causing harm similar to conventional cigarette products.
+ High doses of nicotine can exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Long-term use of nicotine hinders brain development, affecting memory, concentration, and learning, thus having a significant impact, especially on children.
+ Since the human brain develops from birth up to the age of 25, adolescents using e-cigarettes are more susceptible to nicotine addiction, with health effects occurring earlier and more severely.
- Respiratory diseases:
+ Fatty acids adhere to the lungs and cause inflammatory reactions. Common symptoms include chronic cough, shallow breathing, coughing up blood, or phlegm containing blood.
+ Currently, there is no specific treatment for this disease.
- Decreased lung function:
+ Metals released from e-cigarette smoke, depending on exposure levels, can cause difficulty breathing, bronchial and lung irritation, and irritation of the mucous membranes in the eyes and upper respiratory tract.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Long-term use of e-cigarettes can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Nicotine increases the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
+ Long-term use of nicotine can lead to heart failure or death.
- Several toxic chemicals, such as carbon monoxide in e-cigarette and heated tobacco smoke, increase the risk of thrombosis, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke.
- Cancer: Certain compounds in e-cigarette smoke such as formaldehyde, acrolein, toluene, nitrosamine, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as heavy metals (like nickel and lead), can induce cellular changes associated with cancer similar to those in conventional cigarette smokers.
+ Beyond its high addictiveness, nicotine increases cancer risk through cell proliferation, oxidative imbalance, cell death, DNA mutations, and tumor development.
- Injuries: Devices in e-cigarettes can malfunction, fail, and explode, causing severe injuries and burns (mouth, face, neck, eyes, nose, jaw, neck).
Smoke from e-cigarettes and heated tobacco harms the health of those around.
Do e-cigarettes severely harm human health, society, and economy, especially for children and pregnant women? (Image from the Internet)
What are the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco on individuals exposed to secondhand smoke?
According to the Communication Guidance Document on the Prevention of New Tobacco Products for High School Students, issued in conjunction with Decision 1751/QD-BGDDT in 2022:
- Evidence shows nicotine exposure in non-smokers exposed to e-cigarette and heated tobacco smoke.
+ Common symptoms in individuals passively exposed to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco include difficulty breathing, eye irritation, headaches, nausea, and throat irritation or discomfort.
- Inhalation of harmful substances such as nitrosamines, aldehydes, carbon monoxide, etc., in e-cigarette and heated tobacco smoke also poses a cancer risk and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
- Children are the most susceptible group affected by e-cigarette and heated tobacco smoke.
+ Evidence shows that even small amounts of e-cigarette and heated tobacco smoke impact brain and lung development in children.
- Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to the effects of nicotine in e-cigarette and heated tobacco smoke.
- Potential risks include preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and brain and lung developmental abnormalities, as well as sudden infant death syndrome.
What is the Conclusion of the Ministry of Education and Training on New Tobacco Products?
According to the Communication Guidance Document on the Prevention of New Tobacco Products for High School Students, issued in conjunction with Decision 1751/QD-BGDDT in 2022:
- All tobacco products cause serious harm to human health, society, and economy.
- New tobacco products increase the rate of tobacco use, especially among children, adolescents, women, and non-smokers.
- It is necessary to strengthen communication efforts to raise awareness about tobacco harm prevention in schools.
- The Ministry of Health has not approved the import, production, or business.
The above are some of the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco as recorded in the Communication Guidance Document on the Prevention of New Tobacco Products for High School Students approved by the Minister of Education and Training.
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