Electronic Cigarette: a Youths’ Health Threat - บุหรีไฟฟ้า: ภัยคุกคามสุขภาพของวัยรุ่น

Abstract

             Electronic cigarette or electronic nicotine delivery systems [ENDS] is popular among youths and young adults worldwide including those in Thailand. The main reasons for electronic cigarette use include a conventional cigarette smoking cessation tool, cheaper price, and harmless perception when comparing with conventional cigarette. The electronic cigarette smokers are misled by various kinds of advertisement regarding its contents and health effects. Based on a review of previous studies, the results revealed and proved that electronic cigarette contained nicotine and numerous kinds of carcinogens and chemical sub-stances posing both short and long terms health effects to the smoker, bystanders, children and pregnant women who inhale the second-hand vapor from the electronic cigarette. Even though electronic cigarette is banned in Thailand, it is available to the public by illicit cigarette trade and cross-border internet sales. Thus, Thailand should consider legislate against electronic cigarette and put more efforts to prohibit elec-tronic cigarette sale via internet; and formulate clear and specific smoke-free policies to protect public from second-hand vapor from electronic cigarette smoking. Moreover, appropriate health education on the fact and health effects of electronic cigarette use should be initiated for the Thai youths.

Key words: electronic cigarette, electronic nicotine delivery systems, youths, smoking