From Trend to Threat: The Reality Behind Heated Tobacco and Vaping in Asia

It's a shocking reality—tobacco continues to be the number one killer from preventable causes worldwide, claiming nearly 8 million lives each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). For more details, see the World Health Organization's report on tobacco control in the South-East Asia region

Despite this, the temptation of tobacco remains undiminished, especially among the young. Today, more than 37 million adolescents between the ages of 13 and 15 are not just experimenting with, but regularly using various forms of tobacco. This includes modern devices like electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches, which have surged in popularity across the globe.

Why Are Young People Drawn to Vaping and Heated Tobacco Products?

The allure of newer nicotine and tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches, particularly to the younger generation, is largely driven by sophisticated marketing strategies. For instance, some companies have launched spacious and sleek stores that emulate high-tech electronics retailers like Apple, enhancing the appeal of HTPs through both social and traditional media. This marketing approach not only presents HTPs as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes but also targets non-smokers, adolescents, and smokers who are wary of e-cigarettes.

Such strategies significantly shape public perception, suggesting a safer and more socially acceptable image of HTPs. Research indicates that users of HTPs believe these products are less harmful and addictive compared to traditional cigarettes.

However, are these products truly less harmful? Perceptions can be misleading.

Unveiling the Real Risks

Contrary to what is depicted in some marketing strategies, newer nicotine and tobacco products carry significant health risks. The real dangers include difficulty in quitting smoking, adverse effects on lung health, and even higher nicotine intake. Emerging evidence suggests that early use of e-cigarettes among the youth can lead to subsequent cigarette smoking and lifelong nicotine dependency.

Moreover, the vapor from heated tobacco products has been found to contain nicotine levels close to those found in cigarette smoke, posing particular risks to adolescents and pregnant women. The design of these devices, often allowing only a six-minute use per session, encourages users to inhale more rapidly, potentially increasing their intake of nicotine and other harmful chemicals.

Furthermore, long-term use of HTPs can increase the chances of relapse among former smokers. Research has shown that adolescents who had successfully quit smoking are nearly five times more likely to start again if they use HTPs, making cessation far more challenging.

Legislative Changes in Tobacco Control Across Asia-Pacific

As of 2018, an estimated 15.7 million people in the Asia-Pacific region were using e-cigarettes, and it's safe to assume that this number has only grown more alarming. The increase in e-cigarette usage, especially among young people, has prompted significant legislative changes across the region to control the proliferation of these devices.

To combat the rising tide of e-cigarette use, many countries in the Asia-Pacific have implemented diverse and stringent regulations. Complete bans on all e-cigarettes can be seen in countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, and Timor Leste. In places like Japan, Cambodia, and Australia (with the exception of Western Australia where all e-cigarette sales are banned), it is specifically nicotine-containing e-cigarettes that are prohibited. Other nations have adopted varied approaches to curb e-cigarette use, focusing on sales restrictions, setting minimum age limits, and controlling nicotine concentration and flavorings in e-liquids. These countries include China, Fiji, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam. Such measures are critical in reducing the accessibility of e-cigarettes to young populations and limiting the appeal of these products.

These legislative efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need for stringent tobacco control policies to safeguard public health, particularly the health of younger generations, from the risks associated with e-cigarette use.

References

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