WHO Advises All Countries to Ban Vape-type Electric Cigarettes

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged all countries to ban the use of flavored e-cigarettes or vapes. Because this is related to several cases of children and teenagers who are addicted to electronic cigarettes which we know as vape cigarettes.

Researchers, activists and the government claim that electronic cigarettes, or vapes, are used as an alternative cigarette that can reduce the consumption of conventional cigarettes which are more dangerous. However, WHO emphasized that there is no evidence to show that vaping is 'safer' than conventional cigarettes.

Vaping banned in BBC news

WHO confirms there is not enough evidence that vaping helps smokers quit their addiction to conventional cigarettes. Vaping actually triggers health risks, including nicotine addiction among non-conventional smokers, especially children and teenagers. This follows the large number of children and teenagers who are addicted to nicotine.

"Children are recruited and trapped at an early age to use e-cigarettes and possibly become addicted to nicotine," highlighted Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General, and urged countries to implement decisive action.

WHO called for changes, including a ban on all flavoring ingredients such as menthol, and the introduction of tobacco control measures on vapes. Including the application of high taxes or excise, as well as prohibitions on use in public places. This is an effort to minimize the consumption of electronic cigarettes.

WHO has no authority over national regulations, and only provides guidance. But its recommendations are often adopted voluntarily.

The WHO and several other anti-tobacco organizations are pushing for stricter regulations on new nicotine products, targeting alternatives that underpin some cigarette giants such as Philip Morris International (PM.N) and British American Tobacco (BATS.L).

WHO says vaping produces substances, some of which are known to cause cancer, and pose risks to heart and lung health. This can also harm brain development in the younger generation.

Vaping is no more than conventional cigarettes which have the same level of danger, and it may even be that vaping is more dangerous than conventional cigarettes.