PETALING JAYA: The vaping phenomenon, which has been around since 2003, is not in line with the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), of which Malaysia is a signatory.
Johor Health Department director Datuk Dr Mohd Khairi Yakub said the WHO FCTC, at its 6th conference in Moscow last year, suggested that member states ban e-cigarettes and vape products.
The FCTC treaty came into force in February 2005, and was signed by 168 of the 192 WHO member states.
More than 170 WHO member states have become parties to the convention.
According to WHO, the framework was developed in response to the “globalisation of the tobacco epidemic” and it is a treaty that “reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health”.
Dr Mohd Khairi said studies have shown the negative effects of vaping on a person’s health.
The health effects explain the Sultan of Johor’s stand to order a ban on vaping and the closure of vape outlets in the state.
“The unhealthy vaping culture is also present among youth in this state. His Royal Highness does not want the culture to exist in this state for the sake of the welfare and well-being of Johoreans,” said Dr Mohd Khairi in a statement yesterday.
He said chemicals such as nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin and flavouring could have long and short-term effects on one’s health.
He said nicotine, which causes addiction, also promotes blood clots and could infiltrate a pregnant mother’s placenta, where it would be harmful to the baby’s development.
Dr Mohd Khairi said a high dose of nicotine could cause seizures and breathing failure, adding that about 40mg of nicotine could cause death.
Last year in America, he said, there were 3,000 nicotine-poisoning cases, one of which led to the death of an infant.
“Nicotine is also a tumour promoter,” said Dr Mohd Khairi.
Apart from nicotine, he said propylene glycol could cause irritation to the eyes, throat and respiratory tract, which in turn could lead to asthma.
He said propylene glycol, when heated, would produce a substance that releases formaldehyde, which could cause cancer.
“Studies have also shown the presence of heavy metal during vaping. This is due to the liquid reaction in the wire coil that is in the atomiser,” he said.
– The Star
