Jakarta. Amid chronic tobacco addiction, Indonesia
is also faced with the lurking dangers of electronic cigarettes, which
have started gaining popularity in the country, experts say.
“The safety of electronic cigarettes has not been scientifically
proven and the
pharmacological effects of nicotine, the addictive
component, is known to accelerate the heart rate and raise blood
pressure,” said Tara Singh Bam, technical adviser at the International
Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.
Tara added that the Indonesian government should start regulating the manufacturing, marketing and sales of e-cigarettes.
These devices, or Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS),
vaporize and deliver a chemical mixture to the user’s lungs. The
concoction is usually made up of nicotine, propylene glycol and other
chemicals, although some products claim not to contain the addictive
stimulant at all.
Professor Tjandra Yoga Aditama, director general for Disease Control
and Environmental Health, said Indonesia is currently studying nicotine
devices so the country may establish policies to regulate manufacturing
and sales.
Tjandra, a noted pulmonologist, added that e-cigarette producers have
placed disclaimers on their products, warning they should not be used
by sufferers of lung diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia
“This [disclaimer] indicates that the product is actually dangerous, especially for the respiratory system,” he said.
Tjandra said e-cigarettes offer customers an illusive sense of safety
as they do not produce smoke and would, therefore, not contribute to
second-hand smoking.
“The truth is, its effects on non-smokers still exist, considering
ENDS devices still release nicotine particles and other toxic substances
into the air,” he said.
Growing concerns about the dangers of e-cigarettes have driven some
countries, including Brazil, Norway and Singapore, to restrict sales,
advertising and use of nicotine devices.
He said Indonesia needs to take a similar approach.
“A comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising, promotion and
sponsorship of e-cigarettes must be established,” he said, adding that
the display of e-cigarettes in retail stores, as well as sales to minors
should also be strictly prohibited.
“E-cigarettes and their refills should not be sold in flavors that are appealing to children,” he said.
The union reported the use of e-cigarettes in many countries,
including Indonesia, has grown, reiterating concerns over a product
whose health impact is still uncertain.
For youths, it said, questions surround the potential negative impact
of nicotine on adolescent brain development, as well as a higher risk
of addiction, which could lead to the use of conventional cigars or
cigarettes.
The World Health Organization has also announced its worries over
such products by suggesting “consumers should be strongly advised not to
use” e-cigarettes until a regulatory body has given sound evidence of
their safety and efficacy.
Tjandra said nicotine addiction in the country has reached a
concerning level. In 2010, an estimated 200,000 Indonesians died of
tobacco-related diseases.
Indonesia ranks third in the world for its number of smokers, behind
China and India, though the nation has a higher prevalence of tobacco
use and addiction among children.
Sumber : Jakartaglobe
0 komentar:
Post a Comment