CCTV Finance Commentary: Are E-Cigarettes Harmful and Should They Be Regulated?

On August 23 local time, a patient in Illinois, USA, developed severe lung disease after vaping and ultimately died. The Illinois health authorities believe this may be the first vaping-related death in the United States. This case has reignited discussions about whether e-cigarettes are harmful to human health.
 

Are e-cigarettes tobacco? Are they harmful to health? Should e-cigarettes be regulated?

On August 25, CCTV Finance invited Dr. Xiao Dan, Executive Director of the WHO Collaborating Center for Tobacco Control and Respiratory Disease Prevention, and Dr. Zhi Xiuyi, Vice President of the Chinese Association on Tobacco Control and Chief Expert of the Thoracic Surgery Department at Xuanwu Hospital, to provide commentary.


1. Are e-cigarettes harmful?

News link: In July this year, the World Health Organization released the "2019 Global Tobacco Epidemic Report," stating that there is no evidence that "heated tobacco products" are less harmful than traditional tobacco products, and using such products may also lead non-smokers to develop an addiction. Moreover, these products still fall under the category of tobacco products, and switching from traditional cigarettes to "heated tobacco products" does not count as quitting smoking.

Dr. Xiao Dan: The efficacy and safety of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation are not yet clear.
 

Dr. Xiao Dan, Executive Director of the WHO Collaborating Center for Tobacco Control and Respiratory Disease Prevention: This case in the United States is an isolated incident, but the World Health Organization's current stance on e-cigarettes is that the efficacy and safety of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation have not been established, and e-cigarettes are not recommended for smoking cessation treatment. Only by completely quitting nicotine can the human body benefit to the greatest extent.

Dr. Zhi Xiuyi: E-cigarettes are definitely harmful, especially to adolescents.
 

Dr. Zhi Xiuyi, Vice President of the Chinese Association on Tobacco Control and Chief Expert of the Thoracic Surgery Department at Xuanwu Hospital: We must first face the reality of the popularity of e-cigarettes and affirmatively respond to society that e-cigarettes are definitely harmful to health, especially for adolescents. Because for adolescents, using such products may lead them to develop an addiction when they were originally non-smokers.

2. Should e-cigarettes be regulated?

News link: At the end of May this year, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention released the results of the 2018 China Adult Tobacco Survey. The survey found that the majority of e-cigarette users are young people, with a usage rate of 1.5% among the 15-24 age group. The main way to obtain e-cigarettes is through the internet (45.4%). It is noteworthy that compared to 2015, the proportion of people who have heard of e-cigarettes, have used e-cigarettes, and are currently using them has all increased.

On July 22, the National Health Commission held a press conference, stating that the harm of e-cigarettes should be taken seriously. The National Health Commission is currently conducting research on e-cigarette regulation in conjunction with relevant departments, planning to regulate e-cigarettes through legislation.

Dr. Xiao Dan: E-cigarette regulation should strictly control youth purchases.
 

Dr. Xiao Dan: Among the 195 member countries of the World Health Organization, nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are banned in 30 countries, and regulated in 65 countries. Some countries regulate them as drugs, some as tobacco products, and others as consumer goods. Different countries focus on different aspects. I believe that e-cigarette regulation should strictly control youth purchases.

Dr. Zhi Xiuyi: E-cigarettes must be regulated; I suggest speeding up the process.
 

Dr. Zhi Xiuyi: E-cigarettes should be regulated, especially industry access standards should be established as soon as possible; secondly, specific components should be clearly labeled so that e-cigarette users know what is in them. We hope to improve regulatory policies regarding product production, quality, packaging, and sales channels, and strengthen and expedite the process.
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Dr. Xiao Dan: Prohibit e-cigarette advertising, promotions, and sponsorships; scientific research on e-cigarettes is necessary.
 

Dr. Xiao Dan: We must prohibit e-cigarette advertising, promotions, and sponsorships, primarily to protect adolescents, as they are highly influenced by advertisements.

Additionally, scientific research on e-cigarettes is necessary. Currently, the specific risk levels associated with electronic nicotine delivery systems have not been conclusively determined, and the scientific community needs to accumulate and address social concerns regarding this issue.

Dr. Zhi Xiuyi: E-cigarette regulation cannot be in a vacuum, especially regarding the impact on adolescents.
 
Dr. Zhi Xiuyi: E-cigarette regulation cannot rely solely on a single department; a complete regulatory framework needs to be planned and designed, establishing a multi-departmental system for regulatory oversight, especially being vigilant about the impact on adolescents.