Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 24: With a view to discourage the consumption of cigarettes and tobacco by the people, especially the younger generation, the Government has put a complete ban on the sale including online sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in the State with immediate effect.
Dr Pawan Kotwal, Commissioner Secretary Health and Medical Education Department said by choking the availability of loose cigarettes, the Government is to curtail the habit of people who are using e-cigarettes particularly school going kids who buy e-cigarettes mostly through online shopping portals.
Dr Saleem-Ur-Rehman, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, who is also heading State Tobacco Control Cell Kashmir said that J&K is fourth State to impose such ban. He said e-cigarettes contain volatile organic substances, including nicotine that is emitted as a mist or aerosol into indoor air. It continues to acknowledge the fact that studies have showed that these ultrafine liquid particles of less than 2.5 micrometer in diameter may penetrate deeply into the lungs, he added.
“Over time, nicotine permanently damages the cells in the lungs by changing their structure. This leads to increased risk for lung disease, lung cancer, emphysema, pneumonia, and bronchitis”, he said and mentioned that it is a challenge to implement the ban on ground however, department will use effective strategies to ensure the effective implementation.
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