E-cigarettes in India - An invite to oral cancer

E-cigarettes (E-cigs) are pen-like devices operated by a battery used to inhale a combusted aerosol. Propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and nicotine make up the constituents of the liquid present inside. Since their introduction to the U.S. in 2007,[1] E-Cigs have experienced an exponential surge in popularity, with overall usage climbing from 3.3% to 8.5% between 2010 and 2013 and doubling of usage among adolescents between 2011 and 2012 alone.[2] It is advertised as an adjunct to smoked tobacco products that are designed to simulate the act of tobacco smoking with flavored aerosol that substitutes for tobacco smoke. With a gentle press of a button to ignite, it delivers nicotine but with less toxic chemicals produced by processed and refined tobacco. E-cigs are popular not only among those looking for rehabilitation to conventional cigarettes but also non-smokers leading to nicotine addiction or tempting them to take up conventional cigarette smoking.[3] The rapid hike of E-cigs is often attributed to advertisements portraying as a smoking cessation tool or as an ad hoc to traditional smoking. However, these claims have been widely found to be controversial and unfounded in scientific evidence.[4] A lack of a uniform approach in dealing with this public health problem will not only jeopardize the health of the people but will also enable the sellers of such products to escape the scrutiny of regulatory bodies. Although they are projected as “tobacco cessation” products by various sellers, including tobacco giants themselves, the lack of concrete evidence in support to this claim coupled with the absence of any regulatory approval for their use makes it a serious public health threat.