E-cigarettes are not a safe or effective alternative to quitting smoking, experts warn

E-cigarettes, or vaping, are not a safe or effective alternative for quitting traditional smoking and are instead leading to dual addiction, according to Professor Dr. Mohit Kamal, former director of the National Institute of Mental Health. He stated that the chemicals in e-cigarettes, such as nicotine, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin, produce vapors that cause significant lung damage. The presence of heavy metals like nickel, lead, and chromium in these devices also increases the risk of cancer. Dr. Kamal clarified that despite rumors, e-cigarettes remain illegal in Bangladesh, with strict monitoring in place due to lead content exceeding legal limits. He described the situation among young people as "terrible," with daily cases of patients exhibiting symptoms like sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and academic decline, all linked to vaping. He attributes this trend to ignorance and peer pressure, noting that some illicit groups are even mixing addictive substances with e-cigarette liquids. The physical impact on the lungs can be severe, leading to a condition known as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury), which permanently damages the air sacs. Dr. Kamal also drew parallels between vaping addiction and internet addiction, including excessive mobile use and social media platforms like TikTok, both of which increase dopamine levels in the brain. To combat this crisis, he urged families to build children's self-confidence and self-esteem, encourage healthy indoor recreational activities, establish home libraries to foster a love for reading, and called for stricter market monitoring and chemical testing by regulatory authorities. Educators and parents must also remain vigilant against misinformation.