The Central government’s concern is commendable but one wonders why e-cigarettes alone are prohibited; why not ban normal cigarettes, other tobacco products and alcohol? (Front page, “Cabinet approves ban on e-cigarettes,” Sept. 19). Neither are e-cigarettes as widely available as the conventional tobacco products nor are they consumed as much. If the government is really concerned about public health, it should ban cigarettes and beedis. Failing that, the present ban will serve more as a token measure and could even end up boosting the sales figures of the country’s tobacco industry.
Kshirasagara Balaji Rao,
Hyderabad
Smokers have a wrong perception that e-cigarettes are a less-harmful alternative to cigarettes. On the contrary, test results have shown that they could cause potential health problems, including cancer, as they contain chemicals and toxins that are addictive. When you stop using them, you could feel depressed, and incorrigibly tetchy. Research has also proved that the use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) has not been effective in stopping smoking. Tobacco-related toxins have also been found in the aerosol vapour of ENDS products. There is also evidence that inhaled nicotine from ENDS damages lung tissues and lowers the body’s natural resistance to infections and to cancers. In fact, research suggests that youngsters who use ENDS are more likely to start smoking conventional cigarettes.
R. Sivakumar,
Chennai
