E-Cigarettes as Dangerous as Regular Cigarettes: Health Ministry

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Health Ministry reminded the public that electric cigarettes or e-cigarettes or vapes are a serious threat to the health of the younger generation. E-cigars cannot be said healthier because they are as dangerous as regular cigars.

“Vape is a serious threat to youth in Indonesia. Electronic cigarettes are not safe for children because it delivers nicotine and flavorings in an aerosol form which presents 7,000 negative effects,” the Health Ministry’s Director of Non-infectious Disease Prevention and Control Eva Susanti said.

Eva explained that electric cigarettes actually cause the same danger as conventional ones. Battery-powered cigarettes can deliver nicotine and flavorings in an aerosol form that contains harmful substances.

“Because there are volatile organic compounds, fine particles that are damaging, heavy metals such as nickel, tin, lead, flavorings, and cancer-causing chemicals,” she underlined.

Propylene glycol in electric cigarettes can cause lung and eye irritation as well as respiratory tract disorders. The nicotine content has an addictive effect that triggers depression, headaches, and tremors, as well as causes lung damage, lung cancer, narrowing blood vessels, and death.

Eva added that nicotine could also harm brain development which can continue until a kid is 25 years old. Moreover, the diacetyl flavors could cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“What’s most important is to stay away from e-cigarettes because they have a very bad impact on health,” she advised.

ANTARA

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