The World Health Organization (WHO) accuses the tobacco industry of deliberate misinformation and targeted recruitment of children in marketing e-cigarettes. The industry “finances and spreads false evidence to claim that these products reduce harm,” the UN agency criticized in Geneva on Thursday.
The WHO called for stricter regulations on such products. E-cigarettes are promoted by tobacco companies as nicotine products that can reduce health risks compared to traditional cigarettes.
The WHO pointed out that the use of electric nicotine vaporizers also produces toxins that can cause cancer and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, unborn children could be harmed in the womb and the mental development of minor consumers could be affected, it was said.
Not a suitable alternative
From the WHO’s point of view, e-cigarettes are not a suitable alternative to reduce tobacco consumption, but rather increase the likelihood of using conventional cigarettes due to their addictive effects. “Children are being recruited and tricked into using e-cigarettes at a young age,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned.
The WHO called on countries to make e-cigarettes less attractive by banning flavors, reducing nicotine content and imposing taxes on these products. (saw/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
