WHO calls for urgent restrictions on e-cigarette consumption

The purpose of such restrictions is to protect children and non-smokers and to minimise the negative impact on public health.

According to the WHO statement, e-cigarettes have not been shown to be effective in promoting tobacco cessation. At the same time, there is alarming evidence of the harmful health effects of their use.

Experts note that e-cigarettes are freely sold and actively promoted among young people. According to the latest WHO data, e-cigarettes are banned in 34 countries, 88 countries do not set a minimum age for their purchase, and 74 countries have no regulatory restrictions on this type of product at all.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhan emphasised that children start smoking e-cigarettes at an early age, putting themselves at risk of nicotine addiction. He called on countries to take strict measures to prevent the spread of e-cigarettes, especially among children and young people.

The WHO statement also emphasises that e-cigarettes with nicotine are highly addictive and harmful to health. Although their long-term effects are not fully understood, they have been found to release toxic substances that can cause cancer and increase the risk of cardiovascular and lung diseases. Smoking e-cigarettes can adversely affect brain development and cause learning problems in young people and, in pregnant women, can adversely affect foetal development.

WHO is also concerned that e-cigarettes are being actively promoted to children through social media and use images of cartoon characters and sleek designs to attract the attention of the younger generation. The organisation stresses the need for urgent action to prevent the spread of e-cigarettes and combat nicotine addiction, and stresses the importance of monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of measures taken.