WHO wants electronic cigarettes to be better regulated

The electronic cigarette is in the sights of the World Health Organization.

© Mary Altaffer / AP

Text by: RFI Follow

3 min

The electronic cigarette is an object that has become almost as familiar as the cigarette ... And this is what worries the WHO.

The World Health Organization accuses manufacturers of targeting younger people as a priority and switching them from vapers to smokers.

Publicity

Read more

With our correspondent in Geneva,

Jérémie Lanche

Toxic and addictive for some, less harm if you want to quit smoking for others ... The supposed harmful effects of electronic cigarettes continue to be debated among health professionals.

But in its latest report on tobacco control, the WHO wants to be much more direct.

The e-cigarette is dangerous.

If only because it targets minors.

Better regulate the use of electronic cigarettes

Dr Rudiger Krech is responsible for the health promotion department at WHO.

He denounces the marketing techniques used: “

 There are approximately

16,000 different flavors on the market.

Bubble-gum, vanilla ice cream, chocolate cookie ... I think that speaks more to my grandchildren than to me.

And we know very well that children are 2 to 3 times more likely to become smokers when they consume these products.

 "

So should we ban the electronic cigarette?

WHO does not clearly ask for it.

But its experts are calling for a ban on flavors and stricter legislation equivalent to that applied to conventional cigarettes.

79 countries have now adopted measures to regulate the use of electronic cigarettes.

32 even banned it for sale.

The aerosols from e-cigarettes contain toxic substances that can cause



🚨 cancer


🫀 cardiovascular diseases


🫁 lung disorders


🧠 damage to children's brain development # CommitToQuit e-cigarettes now for a healthier life!



Here's how 👉https: //t.co/7OReiIXXpd pic.twitter.com/MvwAZqB8oB

- World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 27, 2021

►Also listen: Debate of the day - Should vaping be banned?

Newsletter

Receive all international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

google-play-badge_FR

  • Health and medicine

  • WHO