The Cancer Foundation launched this Monday (29), on National Day Against Tobacco, the campaign “Electronic cigarette: it seems harmless, but it is not”, which aims to alert the young population about the harmful effects of smoking. The action takes place in conjunction with the National Association of Private Universities.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, more than 2 million people have already used so-called electronic smoking devices (EDS), with the highest prevalence among young people between 18 and 24 years old.
In Brazil, the commercialization, importation and advertising of all types of electronic devices for smoking are prohibited in the country, through the Resolution of the Collegiate Board of Directors of Anvisa: RDC nº 46, of August 28, 2009.
The oncological surgeon and executive director of the Cancer Foundation, Luiz Augusto Maltoni, said “that the electronic cigarette was chosen as the theme of this year’s campaign because although its commercialization and advertising are prohibited in the country by Anvisa, it is known that the product is widespread. among young people and is an important gateway to tobacco addiction”.
A survey by the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) found that one in five young Brazilians smokes electronic cigarettes.
The device is usually battery operated, powered to heat a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavoring and other chemicals, such as tobacco.
The DEFs can be vaper, pod, e-cigarette, e-ciggy, e-pipe, e-cigar, heat not burn (heated tobacco), among others.
According to Maltoni, “e-cigarettes come disguised in a variety of shapes, aromas and flavors, sometimes carrying much higher concentrations of nicotine than conventional cigarettes”.
“Usually, conventional cigarettes can have up to one gram of nicotine, which is the addictive substance, while electronic cigarettes have up to 7 grams per unit,” said the doctor.
The foundation’s data says that a vaporizer of 1,500 puffs is equivalent to 5 packs of cigarettes.
Among health risks, in addition to increased chances of cancer, device use is associated with:
- 42% more likely to have a heart attack;
- 50% more likely to have asthma;
- Increased risk of pneumonia.
“These are a little of the scope of the ills of the products resulting from both conventional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, which come dressed in aromas and flavors and formats, like a flash drive, to deceive young people that it can be innocuous”, said the surgeon.
*With information from Agência Brasil
Source: CNN Brasil
