Anti-vaping group welcomes EU move flagging new nicotine devices as public health threat

Anti-vaping group welcomes EU move flagging new nicotine devices as public health threatAnti-vaping group welcomes EU move flagging new nicotine devices as public health threatPublished on: Apr 28, 2026 2:04 PM ISTPTIShare viaCopy link New Delhi, Mothers Against Vaping has welcomed the European Commission's recognition of emerging nicotine devices as public health concerns, saying their rising use among youth is fuelling addiction rather than aiding smoking cessation.Anti-vaping group welcomes EU move flagging new nicotine devices as public health threatThe MAV is a united front of women advocating against the promotion of new-age nicotine devices to Indian youth.In a statement, the group said these products, often marketed as safer alternatives, are increasingly drawing in younger users, acting as a gateway to nicotine addiction rather than serving as effective smoking cessation tools, and exposing adolescents to serious long-term health risks.Referring to the European Commission's evaluation of the EU tobacco control framework, which examined the Tobacco Products Directive and Tobacco Advertising Directive, it noted that while there has been a significant decline in smoking, there are growing challenges linked to the rapid emergence of novel tobacco and nicotine products, particularly among young people.Dr Rajesh Gupta, director of the Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Interventional Pulmonology at Yashoda Medicity, Indirapuram, said the rising use of e-cigarettes and other new-age devices among young people is a serious concern."...these products pose significant mental and physical risks for adolescents, as nicotine exposure during critical stages of brain development can impair attention, memory and emotional regulation, while also increasing susceptibility to anxiety and mood disorders," he said."Respiratory irritation and cardiovascular strain are also linked to their use. Despite being marketed as safer alternatives, they often sustain nicotine dependence or even initiate it," Gupta added.He said this underscores the urgent need for stronger prevention and awareness efforts.The group highlighted the European Commission's evaluation that, though e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are sometimes marketed as effective for helping people to quit smoking, their effectiveness in this regard is highly questionable.Citing reports, the group said use of e-cigarettes increases the likelihood of cigarette smoking, particularly among young people and young adults, with one report indicating that e-cigarette use raises the likelihood of starting smoking by about three times.It also referred to the World Health Organisation's position that e-cigarettes have not been proven effective for smoking cessation, and noted that a Eurobarometer survey 2023 found that a large majority of respondents do not think that e-cigarettes or HTPs can help smokers to quit traditional tobacco products.The statement further said that in India, vested interests are attempting to promote novel nicotine products to cultivate a new generation of users through unauthorised online sales, smuggling, surrogate advertising and influencer-driven promotion on social media, despite an existing ban.It alleged that misleading claims around safety and cessation are being used to bypass regulations and create demand, alongside narratives aimed at normalising their use and pushing for legalisation, while downplaying associated health risks.Calling for stronger…

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