- ENDS are devices that heat solution to create aerosol, which also frequently contains flavours, usually dissolved into propylene glycolor and glycerin.
- e-cigarettes (electronic cigarettes) are most common prototype of ENDS.
- These devices do not burn or use tobacco leaves but instead vaporise solution, which user then inhales.
- ENDS solutions and emissions contain other chemicals, some of them considered to be toxicants.
- They contain nicotine, addictive component of tobacco products.
- In addition they contain metals, including lead, chromium and nickel and chemicals like formaldehyde with concentrations equal to or greater than traditional cigarettes.
- Use of ENDS may affect development of foetus during pregnancy.
- It may contribute to cardiovascular disease to people who use ENDS.
- Moreover, nicotine may function as ‘tumour promoter’ and seems to be involved in biology of malignant diseases.
- Foetal and adolescent nicotine exposure have long-term consequences for brain development, potentially leading to learning and anxiety disorders.
- Why in news?
- Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued advisory to all states and Union Territories to not allow manufacture, sale and advertisement of e-cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS).
- It also has issued warning that use e-cigarettes and other ENDS devices pose great health risk to public at large, especially to children and pregnant women.
