Answer

Introduction

The rise of electronic nicotine delivery systems has created global health, social, and environmental risks. WHO reports show millions of adolescents using e-cigarettes, with rising addiction and disease concerns. Despite India’s 2019 ban under Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act  (PECA), illicit trade and online sales persist, endangering youth and weakening sustainable development efforts.

Body

Multi-dimensional impact of vaping worldwide

• Social impact: Vaping has disproportionately impacted adolescents, with higher rates of usage compared to adults.
  Eg: A 2024 study across Canada, England, and the US involving 39,214 youth found teenagers were twice as likely as adults to vape, leading to respiratory issues.
• Health Impact: Vaping heightens risks of heart disease and stroke, compounding existing health challenges.
  Eg: Studies show e-cigarette users face a 56% higher heart attack risk and 30% higher stroke risk, while nicotine accelerates hypertension and atherosclerosis.
• Environmental hazards: Disposable e-cigarettes contribute to massive electronic and toxic waste pollution.
• Psychological Impact: Early nicotine exposure increases susceptibility to other substance abuse and may impair cognitive development in youth.
• Economic Impact: Illicit trade and healthcare costs strain public resources, while regulation gaps fuel black markets.
• Safety concerns: Vaping devices also carry risks of serious physical harm and injury due to design flaws, including battery explosions, overheating, and chemical leaks.

Comprehensive strategy to address vaping challenge

• Strengthen enforcement of PECA 2019: Ensure strict prohibition of e-cigarettes through monitoring and legal reinforcement.
• Close regulatory loopholes: Expand definitions to include emerging nicotine products attempting to bypass bans.
  Eg: Synthetic nicotine devices being marketed to escape regulatory coverage.
• Target industry manipulation: Counter deceptive marketing and false safety claims by tobacco companies.
  Eg: A watchdog report showed only 10 of 49 clinical trials were independent, exposing systematic industry bias.
• Global cooperation: Collaborate with other nations to effectively combat cross-border trafficking and illegal trade of e-cigarettes.
• Public health education: Promote widespread awareness campaigns to counter misinformation, educate youth, and reduce demand for harmful vaping products.
  Eg: The clarification by AIIMS New Delhi warned against deceptive e-cigarette marketing, safeguarding public understanding.

Conclusion

Vaping poses intertwined health, social, and environmental risks. Despite India’s PECA 2019 ban, illicit trade and online sales persist, threatening youth and public health. A sustainable response requires strict enforcement, closing regulatory gaps, international cooperation, and awareness campaigns to counter deceptive marketing and ensure long-term, inclusive health security.

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