Electronic nicotine delivery systems are a menace to our young
ENDS are regulated in more than 80 countries, but in SA they are freely available and designed to lure younger users
Tobacco kills more than 42,000 South Africans annually, either directly through tobacco-related diseases, or indirectly through exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. Several approaches have been adopted to curb the tobacco epidemic, including regulatory, legislative and fiscal measures. In a number of countries, alternative products, which are claimed to reduce tobacco related risks have been introduced. One such product is the electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), of which e-cigarettes are the most common. A 2016 SA survey reported they were used by 3% of men and 2% of women. ENDS typically heat a liquid containing nicotine and other chemicals to produce a nicotine-infused aerosol, which is inhaled by users. ENDS contain a wide range of flavours and are attractively designed to lure younger users. This has fueled an epidemic among younger age groups in some countries with unrestricted access. Unless something changes, such as curbing ENDS availability to young people, this i...
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