Thread by @WHO

E-cigarettes are harmful to health and are not safe.
They are particularly risky when used by adolescents. Nicotine is highly addictive & young people’s brains develop up to their mid-twenties. Exposure to nicotine can have long-lasting, damaging effects.
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@WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO E-cigarettes increase the risk of heart disease and lung disorders.
For 🤰🏻, they pose significant risks as they can damage the growing fetus.
They also expose non-smokers to nicotine and other harmful chemicals.
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@WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO The liquid in e-cigarettes can burn skin and rapidly cause nicotine poisoning if swallowed or absorbed through the skin.
There is a risk of the devices leaking, or of children swallowing the liquid. The liquid is also highly flammable.

@WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO Q: Do e-cigarettes cause lung injuries?
A: There is growing evidence to show that e-cigarettes use could cause lung damage.
At least 6 countries have initiated investigations to identify cases of lung injuries related to e-cigarettes use bit.ly/2GbATpo

@WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO Q: Are e-cigarettes more dangerous than regular cigarettes?
A: This depends on a range of factors, including the amount of nicotine and other toxicants in the heated liquids, but we know that e-cigarettes pose clear health risks and are by no means safe.
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@WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO Q: Are e-cigarettes addictive?
A: Yes. Nicotine is highly addictive, and e-cigarettes involve the inhalation of a nicotine-infused aerosol.
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@WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO Q: Are secondhand e-cigarettes emissions dangerous?
A: Yes. The aerosols in e-cigarettes typically contain toxic substances, including glycol which is used to make antifreeze.
E-cigarettes pose risks to users and non-users.
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@WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO Q: Should e-cigarettes be banned?
A: E-cigarettes are currently banned in over 30 countries worldwide, with more and more countries considering bans to protect young people.
Where they are not banned, they must be regulated.

@WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO Regulation on e-cigarettes should:
🔸disrupt the promotion & uptake of e-cigarette products
🔸reduce the potential health risks to e-cigarette users & non-users
🔸prohibit false or unproven claims from being made about e-cigarettes
🔸protect existing tobacco-control efforts

@WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO Governments should restrict e-cigarettes ads, promotion & sponsorship so young people, other vulnerable groups & non-smokers are not targeted.
About 15,000 unique flavours are used in e-cigarettes, incl. flavours designed to attract young people, e.g. bubble gum, cotton candy.

@WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO The use of e-cigarettes in indoor public and work places should be banned, given the health risks posed to non-users bit.ly/2GbATpo

@WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO Taxing e-cigarettes in a similar way to tobacco products offers a win–win for governments by protecting citizens through higher prices that deter consumption bit.ly/2GbATpo

@WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO Q: Do e-cigarettes help you quit smoking?
A: There is not currently enough evidence to support the use of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.
For tobacco users looking to quit, there are other proven, safer and licensed products.

@WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO WHO regularly monitors and reviews the evidence on e-cigarettes and health and offers guidance to governments and the public bit.ly/2GbATpo