E-Cigarette ban in India: E-cigarettes are completely banned in India, but a commotion erupted over the issue in Parliament today. BJP leader Anurag Thakur accused a Trinamool Congress MP of smoking an e-cigarette in the House. He said, “E-cigarettes are banned throughout the country, have you allowed them in the House? TMC MP is smoking in the House. Investigate this immediately.” To this, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla replied, “We must adhere to parliamentary traditions and rules. If any such matter comes to my attention, I will take action.”
Government Ban on E-Cigarettes: Why were e-cigarettes banned in India?
The Indian government banned e-cigarettes on May 20, 2019. The ban was imposed because they were rapidly gaining popularity among young people, especially schoolchildren. In 2019, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the ban, stating that young people were under the misconception that e-cigarettes were harmless, while experts had deemed them as dangerous as regular cigarettes. The government’s concerns were further heightened by reports that some young people were using e-cigarettes to consume even deadly drugs.
E-Cigarette ban in India: What Is E-Cigarette?
E-cigarettes, vapes, or vape pens are battery-operated devices. They heat a nicotine-containing liquid, turning it into vapour, which is then inhaled by the user. Even e-cigarettes that claim to be nicotine-free often contain small amounts of nicotine. The “e-juice” used in e-cigarettes typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, flavourings, and other chemicals. The heating device vaporises the liquid nicotine, and the resulting vapour is inhaled. These chemicals are considered extremely dangerous to health. E-cigarettes are banned in several countries, including India.
Health Effects of E-Cigarette: How dangerous are e-cigarettes?
According to a study by the University of North Carolina, e-cigarettes contain two main ingredients-propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine-which are very dangerous to health. The worst effects are on the cells. The more ingredients the liquid in e-cigarettes contains, the greater its toxicity. It also contains acrolein, which is harmful to the lungs and can cause asthma and lung cancer.
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