WHO strongly states that e-cigarettes are harmful to health

Introduction: E-cigarettes, also known as "electronic nicotine delivery systems," work by atomizing an internal liquid to create a smoking effect for the user. E-cigarettes first appeared in China in 2005. Over the years, e-cigarettes have gained popularity as a new product, with some even claiming them to be a healthy tobacco alternative that can help smokers quit. Is this really the case? On the 26th, the World Health Organization released a report in Geneva revealing the answer.

The heating not burning information network reports: In recent years, e-cigarettes have gained popularity as a new product, with some even claiming them to be a healthy tobacco alternative that can help smokers quit. Is this really the case? The World Health Organization reported on the 26th in Geneva that e-cigarettes also produce toxic components and harm health.

E-cigarettes, also known as "electronic nicotine delivery systems," work by atomizing an internal liquid to create a smoking effect for the user. E-cigarettes first appeared in China in 2005. Due to the relatively short history of e-cigarettes, governments around the world lack effective regulation. In response, the WHO has drafted a report on "electronic nicotine delivery systems" to be submitted for discussion and approval at the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control meeting in Moscow this October. Dr. Douglas Bettcher, Director of the WHO's Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention Department, stated: "We are releasing this report through the Secretariat of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and one important point is to call for the establishment of global rules regarding 'electronic nicotine delivery systems,' which refers to e-cigarettes and other similar products."

Currently, most e-cigarettes on the market are designed to resemble conventional tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, while others come in different shapes, such as pens, cylindrical or rectangular devices. Despite their varied appearances, they all contain a solution known as e-liquid, primarily composed of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorings. The WHO states that this substance also produces harmful components during the atomization process.

Dr. Bettcher said: "The WHO report shows that e-cigarettes are harming public health. There is evidence that the vapor produced by e-cigarettes is not the water vapor they claim to be."

The WHO report states that there is sufficient evidence that the use of e-cigarettes by pregnant women and women of childbearing age may adversely affect fetal brain development; the secondhand vapor produced by e-cigarettes also poses health risks to those nearby.

It is understood that among those who use e-cigarettes, some do so to reduce smoking or quit, while others use these products because they can be used publicly in smoke-free areas. The WHO report indicates that the e-cigarette market is developing rapidly, with an estimated 466 brands; global spending on e-cigarettes was $3 billion in 2013. By 2030, sales are expected to increase 17-fold. Dr. Bettcher pointed out that the rapid development of e-cigarettes globally requires the establishment of relevant regulations as soon as possible to minimize their health risks.

"The WHO recommends that regulations be based on the following four principles: no promotion to non-smokers and youth; minimize the potential harm to users and non-users; prohibit unverified health benefit claims; and prevent the tobacco industry's commercial and other vested interests from affecting existing tobacco control efforts."

The WHO's recommendations also include: prohibiting manufacturers and third parties from claiming that e-cigarettes have health benefits, including claims that e-cigarettes are smoking cessation aids; prohibiting the use of e-cigarette products indoors; and encouraging parties to consider effective restrictions on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of e-cigarettes.