New Delhi, August 29: The Health Ministry has asked states to ban Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) including e-cigarettes, Vape, e-Sheesha, e-Hookah etc. According to a Times of India report, this move is expected to protect the vulnerable groups comprising of- children, adolescents and women of reproductive age groups from the possible health risks. Don’t Blame Nicotine for Smoking Deaths! Are E-Cigarettes Safer Than Traditional Cigarettes?

As quoted in the report, the ministry has issued an advisory to all the states on this issue saying, "As such, the states/UTs are advised, in larger public health interest and in order to prevent the initiation of ENDS by non-smokers and youth with special attention to vulnerable groups, to ensure that any Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) including e-cigarettes, Heat-Not-Burn devices, Vape, e-Sheesha, e-Nicotine Flavoured Hookah, and the like devices that enable nicotine delivery are not sold (including online sale), manufactured, distributed, traded, imported and advertised in their jurisdictions, except for the purpose & in the manner and to the extent, as may be approved under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules made thereunder."

While e-cigarettes and vaping are considered to be safer alternatives, but there are numerous studies that have been conducted highlighting that e-cigarettes have cancer-causing properties. An e-cigarette is a battery-operated, hand-held device that contains nicotine as well as varying compositions of flavourings, propylene, glycol, vegetable glycerine and other ingredients.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2018 12:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).