UPSC Express

What is an e-cigarette?

• E-cigarette is a battery-powered device which vaporizes a liquid solution containing water, flavorings, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerol.
• E-cigarette are also called electronics nicotine delivery  system (ENDS)
• They are considered as a healthier smoking alternative as they do not contain carbon monoxide or tar.

Arguments in favour of the ban

• According to the ministry, e-cigarettes contain nicotine, an addictive ingredient which has serious health-related ramifications.
• Nicotine addiction through e-cigarettes may lead to its consumer to try conventional tobacco products and hence is a gateway product.
• Further the government says e-liquids in e-cigarette contain nicotine in, propylene glycol and various flavours that are carcinogens.
• According to a study published in Indian Journal of Medical Paediatric Oncology, 2015 following are the ill-effects of nicotine addiction:
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal disorders
  • Decreased immune response
  • Negatively impacts reproductive health
  • Affects the cell proliferation
  • Oxidative stress
  • Apoptosis
  • DNA mutation leading to cancer
  • Proliferation of tumours and metastasis
  • Causes resistance to chemo and radiotherapeutic agents

WHO on e-cigarettes

• WHO has urged the governments to regulate all Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) products.
• According to WHO, there is no definitive proof that e-cigarettes help cut down smoking.
• Nicotine exposure could harm brain development in both children and fetuses.

Arguments against the ban

• According to The Council for Harm Reduced Alternatives (CHRA) ban on e-cigarette would deprive smokers of safer choices.
• According to CHRA and AVI, e-cigarettes help people kick the habit and are thus harm-reducing in communicable diseases.
• Further e-cigarettes are better alternative given the low success rate of gums and patches.
• Some experts have argued the effects of nicotine addiction could be as benign as caffeine.
• Some have highlighted potential benefits of nicotine in treating ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease and Schizophrenia.
• They argue that people smoke for the nicotine but die from the tar.
• Use of e-cigarettes in the U.S., E.U. and the U.K. has yielded positive results.

Laws regulating ENDS in India

• The states have banned e-cigarette under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Poisons Act, 1919.
• Under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) the Union government can regulate tobacco products.
• According to the act it can prohibit any item which imitates cigarettes
• Thus Union government could affect a ban on e-cigarettes under the COTPA though doesn’t have a specific provision to ban.