E-cigarettes pose severe lung risks, experts warn
A recent online consultation session organized by Prothom Alo Trust addressed the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping, highlighting that they are not a safe alternative for quitting traditional smoking. The event, held on May 20, 2026, at Prothom Alo's office in Karwan Bazar, offered free anti-drug advice. Professor Dr. Mohit Kamal, former director of the National Institute of Mental Health, provided expert consultation during the session. He emphasized that the lungs are a precious gift and must be protected. Dr. Kamal pointed to a new global disease called EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury) as a direct consequence of vaping. Both the World Health Organization and the US CDC have expressed significant concern over this condition. The harmful chemical vapors from e-cigarettes can permanently damage the air sacs within the lungs. Therefore, Dr. Kamal strongly advised complete avoidance of e-cigarettes and vaping.
The proliferation of e-cigarettes, marketed as a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking, is now facing scrutiny due to emerging health risks like EVALI. Public health organizations are grappling with how to regulate these products effectively, balancing potential harm reduction for existing smokers against the risk of attracting new users, particularly youth. The long-term systemic impacts of inhaling chemical aerosols on respiratory health remain a critical area for ongoing research and policy development. Future regulatory frameworks will likely need to address the complex interplay between technological innovation, consumer behavior, and established public health objectives, potentially necessitating stricter controls on product composition and marketing to mitigate widespread health consequences.
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