In recent years, the surge in popularity of electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, has sparked concerns about their potential health risks. Once touted as a safer alternative to a smoking cessation aid, these devices are now proving to be more perilous. With the absence of regulatory measures, the question arises – is it time for Bangladesh to take a stand against the vaping trend?
E-cigarettes contain nicotine, propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, polyethylene glycol, and various chemical flavors. Despite the initial perception that the nicotine in e-cigarettes is less harmful than the multitude of toxic chemicals in traditional tobacco, recent studies have shattered this myth.
According to research conducted by the American Heart Association, the use of e-cigarettes increases the risk of stroke by 71 percent. Additionally, the risk of heart attack rises by 59 percent, and the chance of developing heart disease increases by 40% overall. Shockingly, a study in Japan suggests that e-cigarettes are ten times more harmful than conventional cigarettes. Moreover, the nicotine content in a single pod of e-cigarettes equals that of two packs of traditional cigarettes, posing a significant health threat to users.
The surge in the popularity of e-cigarettes can be attributed to the tactics employed by tobacco companies. Leveraging a growing consciousness regarding the detrimental consequences of traditional cigarettes, these corporations launched e-cigarettes as a seemingly less hazardous substitute, promoted as tools for quitting smoking. Their minimal size and a variety of appealing fragrances make them easily usable in public areas.
Unfortunately, the lack of awareness among parents and families, coupled with the glamorization of smoking and vaping in media, has led to an increase in usage, especially among teenagers. Tobacco companies invest substantial amounts in advertising campaigns, enlisting actors, actresses, models, and musicians to portray smoking and vaping as a trendy and socially acceptable behavior.
Despite the alarming rise in e-cigarette use, Bangladesh lacks specific laws to regulate these products. This regulatory gap allows tobacco companies to import and promote e-cigarettes through vape fairs, online marketing, and other means, contributing to a manifold increase in their use over the past five years.
On the other hand, in a landmark move, numerous countries across the globe are taking decisive legal measures to curb the promotion and distribution of e-cigarettes. Legal disputes across multiple jurisdictions have yielded significant fines and directives that are essential rules to crack down and control this rapidly expanding industry.
Australia Leads with Fines:
The Federal Court of Australia delivered a substantial blow to two tobacco companies in 2017, imposing fines of $50,000 each and an additional $10,000 on the director for false claims related to e-cigarettes. The court mandated the inclusion of this decision on its website for 90 days. In 2014, the Supreme Court of Western Australia fined a seller $1,075 for violating the Tobacco Control Act 2006.
United States:
In a sweeping move, the Supreme Courts of six states in the United States, including New York and California, along with the District of Columbia, levied a staggering $462 million fine against Zooll Lab Inc.,. The accusation centered on deceptive advertising, claiming Juul’s e-cigarettes as a safe alternative without mentioning nicotine.
France and Italy Follow Suit:
In 2021, the French Court of Appeal of Versailles ordered British American Tobacco France to pay damages and legal costs, compelling the removal of promotional statements from its website. Italy’s Specialized Business Court, in 2019, directed two tobacco companies to remove e-cigarette-related content from websites and social media, imposing fines for non-compliance.
India Bans E-cigarettes:
The Karnataka High Court in 2019 ruled in favor of the state government’s circular, banning the manufacture, sale, distribution, trade, import, and advertisement of e-cigarettes. The court penalized the petitioner Council for Harm Reduced Alternatives with a significant fine for abusing the court’s jurisdiction.
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health considered to amend the Tobacco Control Act after India’s ban. Unfortunately, this initiative has not yet seen success for unknown reasons. Meanwhile, 121 countries worldwide have implemented measures to control and ban e-cigarettes. Now is the time for Bangladesh to take a stand. The World Health Organization (WHO) has unequivocally identified e-cigarettes as harmful to health in their tobacco report. Neighbouring countries not only India but also Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Singapore have already banned e-cigarettes, recognizing the threat they pose.
E-cigarettes are not a harm-reduction product but rather a punishment for users. Various studies support the danger they pose; therefore, Bangladesh must act quickly. While banning traditional cigarettes remains a formidable challenge, addressing the e-cigarette epidemic should be a priority. Collaborative efforts to raise awareness about the harmful aspects of e-cigarettes can pave the way for the tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040. It is crucial to act quickly before this new menace reaches a dangerous level.
Author: Research Associate of Bureau of Economic Research, University of Dhaka.
