The World Health Organization (WHO) threatened the bets made by cigarette corporations on non-smoking alternatives on Thursday by urging states to treat e-cigarettes like tobacco and outlaw all flavors.
Vapes, or electronic cigarettes, are viewed as a vital instrument by certain experts, activists, and governments in order to lessen smoking-related disease and mortality. To regulate them, however, the U.N. body declared that “urgent measures” were required.
Citing research, it stated that there was insufficient proof to support the claims that vapes helped smokers stop, that they were unhealthy, and that they could cause nonsmokers—especially kids and young adults—to become addicted to nicotine.
With the aid of strong marketing, more 13 to 15-year-olds than adults are using vapes across all WHO regions, it continued.
“Young individuals are being lured and coerced into using electronic cigarettes at a young age, which can lead to nicotine addiction,” stated Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, imploring nations to enact stringent regulations.
The World Health Organization demanded modifications, such as outlawing menthol and all other flavorings and extending tobacco control laws to e-cigarettes. These consist of hefty fines and prohibitions on using in public areas.
