Experts differ on ICMR suggestion on banning e-cigarettes, ENDS devices

A section of experts have said banning Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), including e-cigarettes, without proper research will reduce the options of viable alternatives for smokers who want to quit tobacco.

The reaction comes in the wake of apex research body - Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommending a "complete" ban on ENDS, saying their use can initiate nicotine addiction among non-smokers.

ENDS are devices that heat a solution to create an aerosol, which also frequently contains flavours, usually dissolved into propylene glycol and glycerin.

There are various types of ENDS devices like
e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn devices, vape, e-sheesha,
The ICMR officials and scientists after studying over 250 research papers on nicotine delivery devices stated that
e-cigarettes are also harmful to non-users and have adverse health impacts even when people are exposed to