[ad_1]
Health advocates urged the government to regulate the use of electronic cigarettes in order to prevent non-smokers, especially younger ones, from getting in the habit.
Vaping – smoking battery-powered electronic cigarettes – has been widely recognized as an alternative to tobacco, claiming that it does not produce carbon monoxide or dangerous tar, unlike traditional smoking.
However, a number of health advocates have argued that vaping is not without prejudice. They pointed out that vaping, which converts the liquid into fog, requires users to inhale vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, flavors, dyes and nicotine.
According to Amaliya, a researcher at the Public Health Advocacy Foundation, e-cigarettes contain at least seven hazardous substances, while tobacco cigarettes contain 400.
However, several studies have found that the use of the electronic cigarette was related to certain health problems.
A recent study conducted by the University of Kansas Medical School in the United States, for example, found that users of electronic cigarettes or vapers are more likely to have heart problems.
These smokers are 25% more likely to have coronary artery disease and 55% more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety. In addition, the rate of heart attacks in vapers is 34% higher.
The investigation has not yet determined why vaping could increase the risk of heart problems. However, health experts worry about the side effects of heating the electronic fluid at high temperatures.
"Vaping is actually a good alternative for smokers who want to stop their harmful habit of inhaling tar," Amaliya said. "But unfortunately, many non-smokers now see vaping as a cool lifestyle to follow."
Even young people who have never been exposed to conventional cigarettes are now getting used to e-cigarettes, she added.
According to the Indonesia Personal Evaporator Association (APVI), Indonesia has about 1.5 million vapors, most of which are women aged 25 or older.
The government must therefore formulate strict rules on the use of electronic cigarettes to prevent non-smokers from taking the habit of smoking, Amaliya said.
"The regulation should, among other things, stipulate that users of electronic cigarettes must be 18 years of age or older."
Suci Puspita Ratih of the Social Security Research Center of the University of Indonesia (UI) echoed her sentiments.
"We have too often put our children in danger. We need to stop this now, "said Suci, adding that e-cigarettes also contain carcinogens.
The report last year published by the US National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine revealed that replacing conventional cigarettes with electronic cigarettes "reduces the exposure of users to many toxic and carcinogenic products found in conventional cigarettes "remains unknown.
The report concluded "that no evidence available indicates whether the use of the electronic cigarette" is badociated with cancer in humans, but studies in animals suggest that the long-term use of the electronic cigarette could increase the risk of cancer ".
The Jakarta Post contacted the Ministry of Health for comments but received no response.
[ad_2]
Source link
