What are e-cigarettes? Why there is a need to immediately regulate them in India?

An electronic cigarette is�a battery-powered vaporizer�that mimics tobacco smoking. It works by�heating up a nicotine liquid.
Effects of E-cigarettes:

• E-cigarettes or electronic cigarettes are most common prototype of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
• These do not burn or use tobacco leaves but instead vaporise solution, which user then inhales
• These contain metals, including lead, chromium and nickel and chemicals like formaldehyde with concentrations equal to traditional cigarettes
• Their use may affect development of foetus during pregnancy
• These may contribute to cardiovascular disease
• Nicotine may function as �tumour promoter�
• Foetal and adolescent nicotine exposure have long-term consequences for brain development

Need for regulation:
The current unregulated sale of e-cigarettes is dangerous for a country like India where the number of smokers is on the decline. It may increases the possibility of e-cigarettes becoming a gateway for smoking. In India smoking devices are easily available through online shopping portals and with little information out in the public domain about the ill-effects of e-cigarettes there is a misconception that it is less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

Topics: GS-II: Social Sector Services Education Human Resources