According to Reuters in London, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a document on December 14 urging governments around the world to treat e-cigarettes the same as traditional tobacco and ban all flavors, which may jeopardize tobacco companies’ investments in tobacco. Alternatives.
Some researchers, advocates and governments view e-cigarettes as an important tool in reducing death and disease caused by tobacco. However, the UN agency said “urgent action” is needed to control them.
The World Health Organization cites some studies that show there is insufficient evidence to confirm the effectiveness of e-cigarettes in helping smokers quit smoking, and that they are harmful to health and may lead to nicotine addiction, especially in non-smokers, especially children and adolescents.
In the global regions affected by the World Health Organization, the number of adolescents aged 13-15 using e-cigarettes has exceeded that of adults. A press release from the World Health Organization noted that strong marketing strategies are a driving force behind the popularity of e-cigarettes.
The World Health Organization says, “Children and adolescents are tempted and enslaved by e-cigarettes at an early age, which can lead to nicotine addiction.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on countries to take strict measures.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for changes that would include a ban on all additives such as menthol, in addition to tobacco control measures such as high taxes on e-cigarettes and restrictions on their use in public places. However, it should be noted that the World Health Organization has no authority over national regulations and can only provide guidelines. These recommendations are often adopted and implemented on a voluntary basis.
The World Health Organization and several other anti-tobacco groups are advocating for tighter regulation of new nicotine products, aiming to undermine the future strategies of tobacco giants such as Philip Morris International (PMI) and British American Tobacco.
Major tobacco companies are looking to build new revenue streams through the adoption of tobacco alternatives to combat the impact of declining smoking rates and tough regulations facing some markets.
The tobacco industry claims that e-cigarettes pose significantly lower health risks than traditional tobacco and can help reduce the harms associated with smoking. They argue that certain flavors and lower prices are crucial in encouraging smokers to switch to e-cigarettes, a view echoed by some tobacco control advocates.
The World Health Organization reports that e-cigarettes produce substances, some of which are known to be carcinogenic and pose risks to heart and lung health. The report cites studies showing they can also harm brain development in young people.