Despite claims that e-cigarettes are a safer option, they present a significant public health risk.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Health, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu in his contribution to the World Health Summit’s Regional Roundtable on Preventing Uptake of e-cigarettes.
While updating the status of e-cigarettes in Fiji, Dr Lalabalavu said the regulatory framework concerning e-cigarettes in Fiji is complex, and prospective importers must complete a detailed submission process.
He says the current legislation in Fiji is very comprehensive regarding requirements that the proposed importer has to submit before being allowed to trade.
WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala says the trend is not accidental, adding it is driven by the tobacco and e-cigarette industries’ intentional and targeted marketing strategies.
He says as national, community, and global health leaders, they must respond with urgency and determination.
Dr Piukala says first, e-cigarettes are harmful, containing and releasing a mix of toxic substances, sometimes at levels higher than in tobacco smoke. He further says some of these are carcinogenic and pose serious health risks, from lung disorders to poisoning and injuries to negative effects on cardiovascular health.
He adds that e-cigarettes are also addictive as they usually contain nicotine and sometimes in amounts higher than in conventional cigarettes.
Dr Piukala says young people are highly susceptible to nicotine addiction.
He adds e-cigarettes have not been proven to be effective for smoking cessation at the population level.
